France has publicly reaffirmed its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in The Hague, where chief prosecutor Karim Khan has called for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and three senior Palestinian leaders associated with Hamas. This stance was reported by RIA News and echoed by official Paris voices pointing to the court’s independence and its role in addressing impunity on the world stage.
A statement published on the website of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stresses that France backs the ICC, underscores its autonomy, and supports accountability under all circumstances. The ministry also reiterated France’s condemnation of Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, and highlighted its efforts to document the violence against civilians carried out by the movement.
The conflict in the Middle East intensified after thousands of Hamas militants crossed into Israel from Gaza on October 7, with more than two hundred hostages reported to have been seized. In that same day, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket campaign into Israeli territory and declared the initiation of what it called Operation Al Aqsa Flood. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that the country was at war, signaling a period of heightened military readiness and international concern.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah has voiced its support for Hamas. This development coincided with cross-border rocket exchanges involving both Israel and Lebanon. On October 19, Israeli forces reported fire from Lebanese territory toward border towns, including incidents near Kibbutz Manara where anti-tank missiles were launched, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Analysts note that Hezbollah’s involvement could influence the regional balance of power, potentially complicating efforts to de-escalate tensions. Bloomberg cited experts who warned that if a broader regional confrontation unfolded, Israel’s Iron Dome defense system might face significant pressure, underscoring how intertwined regional actors could affect security calculations for all parties involved.
Earlier statements from Israeli leadership referenced a post-war settlement framework for Gaza, outlining considerations for reconstruction and governance in the enclave. The evolving situation continues to prompt international diplomacy, humanitarian assessments, and questions about accountability for actions by all sides in the conflict. The ICC’s ongoing investigations and the international response to potential warrants remain focal points for policymakers and observers alike, shaping discussions about legal accountability and the prospects for stability in the region.