By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia on Friday cautiously backed the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) but refused to directly refer to the arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“Australia respects the independence of the ICC and its important role in upholding international law,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Calling on all parties to comply with international law, Wong added that Australia is “focused on working with countries that want peace to press for an urgently needed cease-fire.”
In a landmark move, the ICC Thursday announced it had issued arrest warrants for the two Israeli leaders for war crimes in Palestinian territories, including Gaza.
The ICC also issued warrants against Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.
It said it "found reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant "bear criminal responsibility" for "the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts."
Wong also called for the protection of civilians as Israeli genocide against Palestinians entered its second year last month.
Amid various tactics by Tel Aviv to impede the flow of humanitarian aid, Wong stressed that the relief must reach civilians, without mentioning Gaza or Palestinians by name.
While Israeli attacks have killed many humanitarian aid workers, including those working with the UN agencies, in Gaza since Oct. 7 last year, Wong said such workers must be protected and their lifesaving efforts enabled.
- ‘Follow with actions’
Reacting to Wong’s statement on X, journalist and commentator Mary Kostakidis urged Canberra to follow the ICC warrants with actions.
Kostakidis said Australia should sanction Israel “now,” as well as investigate anyone returning from Israel who has taken part in military activity.
“Please follow the UN which includes ALL hostages, on both sides, in any statement: ‘hostages and those detained arbitrarily’,” she said, apparently reminding the top Australian diplomat about arrests of Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Australian Centre for International Justice executive director Rawan Arraf said: “We remind the Australian government that they are duty bound to comply and execute these arrest warrants.”
“These warrants also put the Australian government on further notice that they may be assisting the commission of international crimes,” said Arraf.
“All arms exports, including parts and components to Israel or that may go to Israel, and all defense deals that benefit Australia’s own defense capability, such as the one recently signed with Elbit Systems, must end and be rescinded,” she said, calling on Canberra to investigate and prosecute Australian citizens who “served and are serving in Israel’s military.”