The Hague, May 24 (RHC)-- The global community has expressed support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after Prosecutor Karim Khan issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over the Gaza genocide despite opposition by the United States.

The European Union supports the ICC "for its central role in bringing justice to victims in all situations under its jurisdiction", an EU spokesperson said on Tuesday following a request by the court's prosecutor for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war minister Yoav Gallant over the regime forces ongoing genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu and Gallant are accused of months-long “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” and “intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population” from October 7, 2023, among other war crimes.

EU spokesperson Peter Stano said the International Criminal Court was "an important and independent international institution" and the EU would follow and take note of the process as it develops.  South Africa, too, welcomed the ICC prosecutor's decision to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.

In a statement issued in Pretoria, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “The law must be applied equally to all in order to uphold the international rule of law, ensure accountability for those that commit heinous crimes and protect the rights of victims.”

"South Africa is committed to the international rule of law, universal respect for human rights and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation and not war, and the self-determination of all peoples, including the Palestinians."

Denmark takes ICC requests for arrest warrants "very seriously", the country's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

Belgium has also backed the ICC prosecutor’s decision, with Hadja Lahbib, the country’s foreign minister, stating that “crimes committed in Gaza must be prosecuted at the highest level, regardless of the perpetrators.” We will “continue to support the essential work of international justice,” she added.

Six of the seven political parties that form Belgium’s coalition government back recognizing a Palestinian state.

Karl Nehammer, the chancellor of Austria, said on X that they fully accepted the ICC rulings.

Ireland's Europe minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said her country supported the court's independence and "would just allow it to do its processes".

War crimes prosecutor Reed Brody praised the ICC, saying: "Many thought this request would never come... Israeli leaders are finally facing a legal reckoning for their actions."

Khan said on Monday that he has applied for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant, and 3 resistance leaders.  The U.S. and Israel criticized Khan's decision.  Now, a panel of pre-trial judges will determine whether the evidence supports the arrest warrants.