Breaking: ICC Issues Arrest warrant for Israel’s Netanyahu
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
The ICC has rejected challenges from Israel and issued the warrants today.
In a statement released on the court’s website it said that the orders were “for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024, the day the Prosecution filed the applications for warrants of arrest”.
“The arrest warrants are classified as ‘secret’, in order to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of the investigations.
“However, the Chamber decided to release the information below since conduct similar to that addressed in the warrant of arrest appears to be ongoing. Moreover, the Chamber considers it to be in the interest of victims and their families that they are made aware of the warrants’ existence,” the statement read.
On the 7 October 2023, following an attack on its territory by commandos from the armed wing of Hamas, Israel declared war on the Gaza-based organisation.
One year on, the war zone has expanded from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon. The tapestry of parties involved in this round of clashes: Israel, Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemeni Houthis, Iran, sparks fear of widespread regional unrest, the consequence of a colonial escalation of violence.
However, this outburst of violence cannot be understood without considering it within the context of a conflict that dates back more than 70 years, marked by repeated violations of international law, the expulsion and displacement of civilian populations as part of Israeli colonisation, and an endless succession of wars and outbreaks of violence between all the parties involved.
Throughout this conflict, atrocities have been committed by all sides.
At this stage, the consequences of the conflict are chilling. According to figures from UNICEF, the attack on 7 October left 5,400 people injured and 1,200 dead, including 37 children and 101 hostages have still not been released, including 2 children.
As a result of the bombardments and the war in Gaza, more than 100,000 people have been injured and more than 42,000 killed, including over 14,000 children.
According to the United Nations, 66% of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged. In Lebanon, again according to UNICEF, 5,000 people have been killed, including nearly 700 children, and around 1.2 million people have been displaced, including 400,000 children.
The humanitarian situation is now catastrophic everywhere.
Throughout the region war crimes are mounting sharply, while the international community (especially the states with influence) has failed to repeatedly condemn the situation and to take the necessary measures to bring it to an end.
It should be noted that on 26 January 2024, the International Court of Justice recognised the existence of a ‘real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused’ to the population of Gaza.
A few months later, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry accused Israel of ‘war crimes and crimes against humanity’ committed during military operations and attacks against Gaza since 7 October 2023.
However, these accusations are not having the desired effect. The number of victims is rising in both the West Bank and Gaza, and now it is the people of Lebanon who live in constant fear for their lives, as the Emmaus group present in the country can testify.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum