HRW: ICC members should 'stand ready' to protect court's independence

Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, welcomed the ICC chief prosector's decision to seek arrest warrants against senior Hamas and Israeli leaders.

In a statement, Jarrah said that the move "opens the door to those responsible for the atrocities committed in recent months to answer for their actions at a fair trial".

“ICC member countries should stand ready to resolutely protect the ICC’s independence as hostile pressure is likely to increase while the ICC judges consider Khan’s request," he added.