The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has called for an international arrest warrant to be issued against Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of openly endorsing genocide in Gaza.
The ministry’s demand follows a controversial statement by Smotrich, in which he allegedly justified the killing and starvation of two million residents of the Gaza Strip.
In an official statement released today, reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the ministry condemned Smotrich’s remarks as a blatant admission of support for genocidal policies.
“This statement constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and basic humanitarian principles,” the statement read.
“It is a direct challenge to the International Court of Justice, defies its precautionary orders, and blatantly disregards international consensus on protecting civilians and ensuring their basic humanitarian needs.”
The ministry urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against Smotrich, citing his clear and explicit support for policies amounting to genocide, as well as his advocacy for collective punishment against Palestinian civilians.
The ministry also called on countries worldwide to denounce Smotrich’s stance, impose sanctions, and ban him from entering their territories.
Israeli media recently reported that Smotrich suggested it would be “justified and moral” to block aid to Gaza until all hostages taken during the October 7 attacks are released.
His comments have sparked widespread outrage and concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has already claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands of civilians.
The Palestinian call for international action against Smotrich underscores the deepening tensions and the urgent need for accountability amid the ongoing violence in the region.
