Hungary has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), just hours after hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing an ICC arrest warrant.
The decision was revealed by Gergely Gulyas, a senior official in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government. Orban, a longstanding ally of Netanyahu, had previously dismissed the ICC’s arrest warrant, stating it would have “no effect” in Hungary.
The ICC issued warrants in November, stating there were “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu bore “criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s war with Hamas. Netanyahu has condemned the ruling as “antisemitic.”
Hungary, a founding member of the ICC, becomes one of the few countries to reject its jurisdiction. While 125 nations remain members of the court, major global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, and Israel, do not recognize its authority.
The ICC was established to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Although Israel is not a member, the court ruled in 2021 that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, based on Palestine’s recognition as a member state by the UN secretary-general.
Hungary’s withdrawal further isolates the ICC as it continues its investigations into high-profile global conflicts.
Chioma Kalu
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