In a powerful display of international solidarity, an initiative known as #JusticeForGaza has garnered the support of over 41,000 individuals, including European MPs and MEPs. This grassroots movement aims to advocate for the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute the Israeli government for alleged crimes and collective punishment in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

The initiative, which seeks to amplify diverse voices from civil society, political leaders, and citizens worldwide, joins the ongoing ICC investigation into Israel for war crimes committed in the West Bank and Gaza. The documented crimes against the civilian population in Gaza include daily indiscriminate bombings, targeting civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and shelters, as well as the imposition of a total siege, cutting off water, food, electricity, and fuel supplies. Additionally, the use of white phosphorus, forced displacement, psychological warfare, ethnic cleansing plans, and the constant threat of a military offensive by Israeli forces have been cited.

To advance their cause, a coalition of civil society organizations, political representatives, and activists from various countries intends to submit a communication to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, urging an investigation into several Israeli government authorities for their alleged involvement in these documented crimes.

Among the individuals named in the communication are Benjamin Netanyahu, the current Prime Minister of Israel, Yoav Galant, the Minister of Defence, Benjamin Gantz, a member of the political and security cabinet, Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister of Finance, Itamar Ben Gvir, the Minister of Security, and Hertzi Halevi, the Chief of Defence Staff.

The crimes listed in the communication include genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, as provided for in the relevant articles of the Rome Statute.

Given the gravity of the crimes documented and the alleged responsibility of the individuals mentioned, the communication also argues for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Galant, as the crimes continue to be intentionally perpetrated.

The initiative further emphasizes the need for expeditious and resolute action in the ongoing investigation of war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It calls for the allocation of sufficient financial and human resources to support these efforts. This communication to the Prosecutor's Office represents a crucial step towards ending the impunity of the Israeli government for its actions in Gaza.

The call for justice comes against the backdrop of an ongoing genocide, ethnic cleansing, and siege imposed on the Palestinian population in Gaza. Trapped in the Strip, Palestinians continue to endure the dire consequences of 75 years of colonization, decades of illegal occupation, and years of blockade and apartheid. Resolving this conflict requires justice, peace, freedom, and dignity for all of Palestine, from the river to the sea. This entails demanding Israeli compliance with international law, ending genocide, occupation, apartheid, and the expansion of the colonial project. Additionally, it involves supporting accountability processes for those responsible for crimes against the Palestinian people. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for immediate action.