Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for the Hamas military commander, Israel’s prime minister, and its previous defence minister. According to a statement, a pre-trial chamber issued warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant and dismissed Israel’s claims to the court’s authority. Mohammed Deif of Hamas was also the subject of a warrant, despite Israel’s claims that he was killed in a July airstrike in Gaza.
The judges ruled that the three individuals had “criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, citing “reasonable grounds.”
On the 4th of May 2024 while addressing the 15th OIC Islamic Summit held in Banjul, President Adama Barrow stated:
“As President of The Republic of The Gambia and Chairman of the OIC for the next three years, we pledge to promote unity, solidarity, and sustainable development within the Islamic world. Our approach will include prioritising initiatives that enhance economic cooperation, foster cultural exchange, and address pressing issues, such as poverty and access to education and healthcare.
In collaboration with other Member States, The Gambia stands committed to championing the cause of peace and stability in regions troubled by conflict. We advocate implementing diplomatic solutions and providing humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of distressed people.
Through proactive engagement and meaningful dialogue, we will encourage unity and solidarity among Member States, based on a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future for all.
In this context, it is essential to address the prolonged conflict in Palestine and the devastating wars in Gaza. Those encounters have caused endless human suffering for over seventy-five (75) years.
Certainly, the plight of the Palestinians is a matter of grave concern, not only to the Muslim Ummah but also the entire world.
The ongoing violence, instability in the region, and humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to make the prospects for peace remote. In fact, the hostilities pose a serious threat to regional stability and global peace.
I call upon Member States to take decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a just and lasting solution. This should include convening a Comprehensive Peace Conference for all stakeholders to negotiate a settlement that provides for the rights, dignity, security, and sovereignty of the communities affected.
In our view, military action is not an option; rather, we endorse a Peace Accord based on a two-state solution. This proposal is to guarantee both states the right to full sovereignty and self-determination.
Further, we reaffirm the need to enable the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights, as recognised by the International Community, through its recognition of a State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Shareef as its Capital.
To maintain peace and lasting peaceful co-existence in the entire region, as leaders of the Islamic world, we must seize this opportunity to chart a new course towards peace and reconciliation.
Let us recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect, act collectively to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and build a future of peace and prosperity for all.
I commend South Africa for its recent decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice, following in our footsteps to seek justice under the Genocide Convention.
This bold move illustrates the collective commitment of the international community to the principles of justice and human rights. It sends a powerful message that impunity for grave violations of international law, such as those committed against the Palestinian people, will not be tolerated.
We stand in solidarity with South Africa and all those who advocate justice and accountability, and we pledge our support for their efforts to seek redress for the victims of atrocities committed by Israel”
