“France takes note of the ICC decision and recalls its attachment to the independent work of the Court”

STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE MINISTRY OF EUROPE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Decisions of the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court
November 22, 2024

The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued the arrest warrants requested by the Court's Prosecutor on May 20. This is not a judgment but the formalization of an accusation.

France takes note of this decision. Faithful to its long-standing commitment to supporting international justice, it reiterates its attachment to the independent work of the Court, in accordance with the Rome Statute.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, France recalls that it has always and since the start of the conflict called for strict respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, an imperative which is binding on all parties, and condemned its violations.

She condemned and continues to condemn in the strongest terms the anti-Semitic terrorist attacks committed on October 7 by Hamas and other terrorist groups. She recalls that there is no possible equivalence between Hamas, a terrorist group, and Israel, a democratic state.

It continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

It has continued to demand full and unhindered humanitarian access allowing the massive entry of humanitarian aid, including food, throughout the Gaza Strip and for the benefit of the civilian population.

It has also been warning for many months about the unacceptable nature of civilian losses in the Gaza Strip.

She continues to call for a permanent ceasefire to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.