Lebanon’s decision to reverse its move to authorize the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged war crimes on its soil has sparked outrage from human rights groups and activists. The initial decision, made by Lebanon’s caretaker cabinet in April, aimed to seek justice for the civilians killed in Israeli shelling since October.
However, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib failed to file the requested declaration with the ICC, leading to the cabinet’s amended decision to instead file complaints to the United Nations. This decision has been criticized by Human Rights Watch, with researcher Ramzi Kaiss calling it a missed opportunity for justice and accountability.
The reversal comes just days after the ICC requested arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, defence minister, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. MP Halima Kaakour, who initially proposed the ICC declaration, expressed disappointment in the government’s backtrack, questioning the reasons behind it.
Despite the setback, Information Minister Ziad Makary has vowed to explore other international tribunals for justice. The move has raised concerns about Lebanon’s commitment to accountability and the effectiveness of its complaints to the U.N. Security Council.
The decision to reverse the ICC authorization has left many wondering about the political motivations behind the move and the implications for future efforts to seek justice for war crimes in Lebanon. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the conflict with Israel and Hezbollah, the need for accountability and justice remains paramount.