Jul 03, 2024
March 30 Movement Accuses Israeli War Cabinet of Genocide in ICC Complaint
THE HAGUE, July 3, 2024 - In a significant escalation of legal challenges against Israeli leaders, the March 30 Movement today submitted a formal complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing key figures from Israel's former War Cabinet of genocide in Gaza. The complaint, represented by attorney Haroon Raza, targets Benny Gantz, Ron Dermer, Gabi Eisenkot, and Aryeh Deri, alongside current government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Cabinet's Dissolution and Accountability
The complaint follows the June 17 dissolution of the Israeli War Cabinet, which included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Gantz, Dermer, Eisenkot, and Deri. Despite their resignations, the March 30 Movement argues these officials cannot evade accountability for their roles in collectively designing and implementing policies leading to alleged genocide.
Intensifying Conflict in Gaza
Since mid-June, Israeli military actions in Gaza have escalated, causing over 1,200 additional fatalities and numerous severe injuries. Reports from human rights organizations and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) depict a worsening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by blockades and continuous attacks.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
Violence in the West Bank has also surged. Following an IDF directive on May 29, 2024, administrative control was transferred to officials aligned with Smotrich, aiming to extend Israeli sovereignty. This transfer has triggered increased violence against Palestinians, driven by inflammatory rhetoric from government ministers and aggressive actions by IDF forces and armed settlers.
Allegations of Genocide
The complaint points to documented patterns of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, highlighting severe famine in Gaza and orchestrated attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are specifically accused of inciting genocide through their public statements and policies.
Global Legal Implications
Haroon Raza, representing the March 30 Movement, emphasized the need for the ICC to hold the former War Cabinet and current government ministers accountable. The submission cites interim measures requested by South Africa against Israel and the ICC's previous applications for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant.
"The international community must act decisively to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice for the Palestinian people," Raza stated. "The ICC's intervention is crucial in holding these leaders accountable for their coordinated efforts to eradicate the Palestinian population and seize their territories."
Ongoing Pursuit of Justice
The March 30 Movement remains committed to its mission of justice and human rights in Palestine. The organization has previously filed comprehensive complaints and submitted extensive evidence to the ICC and local courts, highlighting the systematic nature of the alleged crimes.
As the ICC begins its deliberations, the world watches closely, aware that the court's decisions could have far-reaching implications for international law and the accountability of state leaders.
For further information, please contact: Info@30-3.org
To support the March 30 Movement's efforts, join or donate at: http://30-3.org
