The October 7 Attacks and Their Fallout
On October 7, Hamas carried out horrifying attacks on Israeli civilians, committing acts of rape, torture, kidnapping, and mass murder. This atrocity, the deadliest against Jews since the Holocaust, has shocked the world. Yet, instead of universal condemnation, some have chosen to blame the victims, reigniting the global scourge of anti-Semitism.
Pro-Hamas Demonstrations
Pro-Hamas and anti-Israel demonstrations have emerged worldwide. These demonstrations, designed to intimidate and silence Jews and Israel’s supporters, are a façade of power that some media outlets and academics amplify. For example, in the UK, organizations like the BBC have contributed to misleading narratives. On college campuses, faculty promoting ideas about “white oppression” and “colonization” distort historical and modern realities. They conveniently ignore that their privileged positions, as well as countless global technological advancements, come from the same cultures they criticize.
In places like London, where law enforcement has been lax, protests have grown more lawless, with mobs disregarding laws against harassment, property destruction, and violence. Conversely, cities like Calgary, which enforce laws against such behavior, have effectively curtailed these demonstrations.
Despite their noise, these protests are not succeeding politically. They alienate voters and provoke stronger opposition, as seen in the decline of donor support and student interest at institutions tolerating these actions. Universities are beginning to face the consequences, and a future U.S. administration is likely to enforce civil rights laws and reduce federal funding for such institutions.
The ICC’s Controversial Actions
The International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague, recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The accusations focus on Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which the ICC prosecutor claims amount to war crimes. Yet, neither Israel nor the U.S. is a member of the ICC, and critics argue the court has exceeded its authority.
The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has faced allegations of bias and misconduct. A member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Khan has been criticized for previous legal work and accused of promoting anti-Israel narratives. He has also been linked to questionable practices in his investigations, raising doubts about the legitimacy of his actions.
The Genocide Allegation Against Israel
Claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza are baseless. Experts, including U.S. prosecutors who pursued Nazi war criminals, refute these accusations. Under international law, genocide involves acts intended to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Hamas, however, is not such a group—it is a designated terrorist organization. Israel’s military efforts target Hamas, not Gaza’s civilian population, and Israel goes to unprecedented lengths to minimize civilian casualties, even risking its soldiers’ lives.
In fact, since October, Israel has facilitated the delivery of over 870 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This includes food, medical supplies, and other necessities, despite Hamas’s efforts to hijack and weaponize aid. Germany, the United States, and other nations have publicly rejected the genocide accusation, recognizing the efforts Israel has made to protect civilians.
The ICC’s Broader Failures
The ICC has been criticized for ignoring genuine atrocities worldwide while disproportionately targeting Israel. For instance, it has taken no significant action against Turkey’s violence against the Kurds or ISIS’s genocide of the Yazidis, which resulted in the murder of over 500,000 people. The ICC’s actions in this case raise serious questions about its credibility and impartiality.
Netanyahu compared the ICC’s actions to the infamous Dreyfus Affair, calling the accusations an anti-Semitic attack on the Jewish state. He noted that Israel has provided extensive humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food and vaccinations, while Hamas deprives civilians of resources. The Prime Minister condemned the ICC for ignoring the war crimes of regimes in Iran, Syria, and Yemen while singling out Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East.
International Reactions
Global reactions to the ICC’s actions have been mixed. Countries like Argentina, Hungary, Czechia, and the Netherlands have criticized the court, with Czechia even initiating steps to suspend its participation. Other nations, including Norway, South Africa, and Spain, have supported the ICC, highlighting the stark divide among international actors.
Conclusion
The ICC’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation, not only for their perceived bias but also for undermining the court’s credibility. Israel, as a democratic nation defending itself against terrorism, has been unfairly targeted. This controversy underscores the need for international institutions to act with integrity and focus on genuine threats to global justice and security.
The world must remember the true atrocities committed by Hamas and support Israel’s right to defend itself against such unprovoked aggression. By enabling Israel to dismantle terrorist organizations like Hamas, the international community can move closer to achieving lasting peace and justice.