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WJWC: Hungary Should Arrest Netanyahu for ICC

WJWC: Hungary Should Arrest Netanyahu for ICC

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) has strongly condemned the planned visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary, asserting that it reflects a blatant disregard for international law and the rulings of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Hungary, as a founding member of the ICC, has a legal and moral obligation to uphold its decisions rather than facilitate impunity.

Despite an active ICC arrest warrant issued on November 21, 2024, for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant—charging them with crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza Strip—Netanyahu has announced a four-day visit to Hungary beginning on Thursday, April 3. The charges include targeted attacks against civilians, the widespread destruction of residential infrastructure, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and policies amounting to forced displacement and starvation of the Palestinian population.

WJWC stresses that Hungary must adhere to its international commitments by executing the ICC’s arrest warrant rather than undermining the credibility of global justice mechanisms. The organization further highlights that the crimes committed by Israeli forces in Gaza are ongoing, making this visit particularly egregious in the face of documented violations by international human rights organizations.

The death toll of Palestinians killed by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has tragically surpassed 50,000, with the majority being women and children. Since hostilities resumed on March 18, more than 1,040 Palestinians have lost their lives, and many more remain trapped under rubble or left in inaccessible areas, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Women Journalists Without Chains condemns the political support extended to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by certain European nations, arguing that such actions embolden his government to perpetuate violence. The organization's concerns were amplified following Netanyahu’s recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which coincided with intensified military operations in Gaza.

In the wake of that meeting, Netanyahu—bolstered by U.S. policy discussions that included proposals for the mass displacement of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents—intensified military operations, disregarding ceasefire negotiations and accelerating widespread devastation.

WJWC has issued a strong warning that the political and diplomatic backing Netanyahu receives, especially from European countries, legitimizes ongoing war crimes and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. The organization highlighted that this support not only betrays the victims but also establishes a perilous precedent for human rights and justice globally.

WJWC stated that each day in the Gaza Strip brings forth horrific crimes and evidence of genocide. Hungary should take note of a recent incident where evidence surfaced revealing the siege, execution, and burial of 15 paramedics and civil defense workers in a deep pit to hide the crime.

These individuals were on their way to conduct limited rescue operations for victims of Israeli bombings, clearly identifiable by their uniforms and vehicles. This targeting is part of Israeli tactics aimed at creating a reality that leads to civilian destruction and facilitates genocide by targeting those involved in rescue efforts.

 

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. The head of the Bakers' Owners Association in Gaza has confirmed that the World Food Program (WFP) has depleted its flour reserves, exacerbating an already dire food shortage. This crisis follows Netanyahu’s March 3 decision to block the entry of humanitarian aid, placing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians on the brink of starvation. 

The Israeli military has also announced further territorial annexations and issued new evacuation orders for Gaza’s residents. Most recently, families in Rafah and several districts of Khan Yunis—including Qizan an-Najjar, al-Manara, and al-Salam—were forced to flee under relentless bombardment that targeted homes, shelters, and displacement camps.

In light of these ongoing crimes, WJWC has called on Hungary to uphold its obligations under international law and the Rome Statute by refusing to provide political cover for Netanyahu. The organization stressed that welcoming an individual subject to an ICC arrest warrant undermines the credibility of international justice and damages Hungary’s standing on human rights. WJWC urged Hungarian authorities to act responsibly by arresting Netanyahu upon his arrival, rather than enabling further violations of international law.

Additionally, the organization condemned the external political pressure and interference faced by the ICC and other judicial institutions, emphasizing that such efforts reveal double standards in the enforcement of international law. WJWC called for decisive international action to halt the ongoing genocide, ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

 Finally, Women Journalists Without Chains has appealed to the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to intensify investigations into the unfolding genocide, document the violations comprehensively, and ensure accountability for those responsible. The pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people must remain a priority for the international community.

 

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