DaysofPal- The Hind Rajab Human Rights Foundation has announced urgent legal action to block Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to Hungary on Wednesday, calling for his arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
The foundation confirmed on its website that it will file a lawsuit with the ICC and urged the Hungarian Attorney General to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Additionally, it called on European airspace authorities to prevent his travel.
Netanyahu’s trip marks his first visit to an ICC member state since the court issued an international arrest warrant for him on November 21, 2024, alongside former Israeli Army Minister Yoav Gallant. Both are charged with committing crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, including the deliberate targeting of civilians, the use of starvation as a weapon, and other atrocities against Palestinians.
Under the ICC’s jurisdiction, any of its 120 member states must arrest individuals subject to warrants if they enter their territory. However, Hungary—alongside countries like France—has publicly stated it will not enforce the warrant. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and legal experts.
Amnesty International Condemns Hungary’s Position
Amnesty International described Hungary’s invitation to Netanyahu as a blatant disregard for international law. The organization reiterated the need for his arrest and transfer to the ICC, emphasizing the gravity of the charges against him.
“Allowing Netanyahu to visit any ICC member state without enforcing the arrest warrant sets a dangerous precedent,” Amnesty warned. “It sends a message that war criminals can act with impunity, giving Israeli occupation a green light to continue its genocidal policies in Gaza.”
Hungary’s refusal to uphold the ICC warrant stems from a letter sent by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán last November, in which he condemned the court’s decision and reaffirmed Hungary’s unwavering support for Israeli occupation.
In his invitation to Netanyahu, Orbán wrote: “I was shocked to hear of the latest outrageous decision by the International Criminal Court… Hungary strongly condemns this decision, which will in no way affect the alliance and friendship between Hungary and Israel.” He assured Netanyahu of “security and freedom” during his visit.
Netanyahu’s visit comes amid escalating Israeli genocide in Gaza following the Israeli resumption of military operations on March 18, after refusing to proceed with the second phase of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Despite Hamas’s adherence to the terms of the deal, Netanyahu succumbed to pressure from hardline factions within his government, reigniting attacks on the Strip.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli occupation forces have killed 921 Palestinians and wounded 2,054 others —the majority women and children—since restarting hostilities. Since October 7, 2023, over 164,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, including thousands missing under the rubble of destroyed homes. Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians —out of a total population of 2.4 million—are now homeless, while Gaza faces widespread famine due to the blockade preventing humanitarian aid from entering.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
The Hind Rajab Foundation emphasized that Hungary’s failure to enforce the ICC warrant undermines global efforts to hold war criminals accountable. By welcoming Netanyahu, Hungary risks legitimizing egregious violations of international law and emboldening further atrocities in Gaza.
Legal experts argue that Hungary’s defiance could weaken the ICC’s authority and erode trust in international justice mechanisms. Meanwhile, human rights advocates stress that allowing Netanyahu to evade accountability perpetuates the suffering of millions of Palestinians.
As Netanyahu prepares to land in Budapest, the world watches closely to see whether Hungary will honor its obligations under international law or prioritize political alliances at the cost of justice and morality.
A Test for Europe and the ICC
Netanyahu’s visit poses a critical test for Europe and the ICC’s ability to enforce accountability for war crimes. Will Hungary and other nations stand firm on principles of justice, or will they sacrifice them for geopolitical interests? For the people of Gaza, the answer could determine whether there is hope for an end to their suffering, or continued impunity for those responsible.
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