Biden denounces 'outrageous' ICC decision; France backs court

The International Criminal Court's decision to request arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has sparked controversy among Western leaders.

U.S. President Joe Biden called it outrageous, rejecting ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice aimed at recognizing Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip as genocide.

"This is not genocide," the politician stated at an event honoring Jewish Heritage Month in the United States.

Biden emphasized that the United States rejects the demand to arrest Israeli leaders and opposes attempts to draw parallels between members of the Israeli government and leaders of the Hamas militant movement.

"We support Israel in its efforts to combat Sinwar and other Hamas militants," he added.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also voiced support for the Jewish state, condemning attempts to equate a democratically elected and legitimate government with a terrorist organization responsible for instability in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, France expressed support for the ICC's initiation of criminal prosecution against Israeli politicians.

"We support the International Criminal Court, its independence, and its fight against impunity in all situations," stated the French Foreign Ministry.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refrained from commenting directly on the ICC decision, stating that official Canberra advocates for the implementation of the two-state principle, emphasizing the value of every life, and affirming the right of both peoples to peace and prosperity.

On May 21, ICC Chief Prosecutor, Karim Ahmad Khan, announced his request for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif.