Hungary has announced its return from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The decision came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is currently under the ICC arrest warrant, reached Hungary for a state trip. Netanyahu has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during a conflict between Israel and Hamas, said the ICC judges said that “proper grounds” are “appropriate grounds”, to assume that he tolerates “criminal responsibility”.
Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban has been an outspoken supporter of Netanyahu, inviting him to Hungary shortly after the arrest warrant was issued in November. Orban has said that the ICC’s decision will have “no influence” in their country. Netanyahu has condemned the ICC’s decision, labeled it “antiseemic” and claims that it reduces Israel’s right to self -defense.
The ICC, established by Rome law, has the right to prosecute allegations of crime and war crimes against humanity accused of massacre. As the founding member of the ICC, Hungary’s return symbolizes a significant departure for international justice by its previous commitment. This step is also remarkable to the position of Hungary as the first European Union Nation to withdraw from the ICC.
Orban said the ICC has become a “political court” and that the decision to prosecute Netanyahu was “clearly”.
Response to Hungary’s return
Netanyahu has seen Hungary’s decision as “bold and royal”, which insists on the need to stand against what he believes as a “corrupt organization”. Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sire has also thanked Orban for his “clear and strong moral stance with Israel”.
In contrast, German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock condemned Hungary’s return, stating that it is “a bad day for international criminal law”. He said, “There are clear rules in Europe that apply to all European Union member states, and this is Rome law.
The implications of Hungary’s return
Although Hungary’s return may not significantly affect the ICC’s operational capacity or legal framework, it may set an example to question or leave its commitments to international justice for other countries. America, Russia, China and North Korea are among the nations that have not recognized the jurisdiction of ICC.
As the Hungarian formally prepares to withdraw from the ICC, it should be provided to the United Nations Secretary -General, with a return with a return with a return. The ICC has said that Hungary is in a duty to cooperate in court, despite its return.
This journey also comes in the midst of increasing tension in the Gaza Strip, with Israel announced the establishment of a new military corridor for the expansion of its military aggressive and pressure on Hamas. According to health officials in Gaza, struggle resulted in significant loss of life, killing more than 50,000 Palestinians.
