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Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has expressed his support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, citing war crimes related to the violence stemming from the October 7, 2023 attacks.
In a statement released on Thursday, Sanders emphasized the importance of maintaining international law, warning that failing to do so could lead to further descent into barbarism. He lamented the widespread suffering caused by the attacks attributed to Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif, which have disproportionately affected civilians.
In his statement, titled “Sanders Statement on War Crimes Arrest Warrants Issued by the ICC for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif,” he stated, “I align with the position taken by the ICC.”
The senator referenced the Geneva Conventions, established after the devastation of World War II, which aim to protect civilian populations and prevent inhumane conduct during conflicts.
Sanders noted, “The International Court of Justice and later the ICC were created to uphold these standards.” He explained that the ICC has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes, such as utilizing starvation as warfare and orchestrating assaults on civilian areas.
He also mentioned that a warrant has been issued for Mohammed Deif, citing his role in crimes against humanity, including murder, hostage-taking, and sexual violence. Sanders remarked that the allegations made by the ICC are justified.
He pointed out that Hamas initiated the conflict on October 7, 2023, with a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals, took 250 hostages, and involved acts of sexual violence, which he characterized as a war crime.
While he acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, Sanders clarified that this does not extend to conducting widespread attacks against the Palestinian population.
The senator highlighted the heavy toll in Gaza, where over 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 injured, with a significant proportion being women, children, and the elderly.
“All three leaders—Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif—have conducted indiscriminate assaults on civilians, causing immeasurable suffering among the populace,” Sanders concluded. He reiterated the need for the international community to uphold the principles of international law to avert further escalation of violence. “I stand by the ICC’s decision,” he affirmed.
