The ICC was established in 2002 and is tasked with prosecuting individuals for crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
While the ICC is independent of the UN, it is endorsed by the UN’s General Assembly and maintains a cooperation agreement with the UN. When a case is not within the ICC’s jurisdiction, the UN Security Council can refer that case to the ICC.
The court can investigate alleged crimes committed on the territory, or by a national, of any state that has accepted the court’s jurisdiction by signing the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Any member state can ask the ICC’s prosecutor to launch an investigation.
Key powers missing: More than 120 countries are signatories to the Rome Statute, but Israel is not, nor are some major powers including the US, Russia, China and India. While the ICC cannot enforce arrests, signatory states are obliged to apprehend those facing warrants.
In light of the ICC’s decision on Thursday, all member countries are compelled to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant should they step foot on their territory.
The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants against former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, Saif Gadhafi, the son of the late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, and most recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
