Without naming names, a joint statement by 93 countries in a show of support for the International Criminal Court is an unmistakable rebuke of the lawlessness of US and Israel.

Most criminals don’t dare threaten prosecutors. Only mafia dons do.

It’s the same with nations, most of which wouldn’t think of threatening the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), its legal staff and their families.

Only the most powerful and those with its full backing would intimidate the ICC with impunity. Though experts prefer to call it “international relations”, sadly the hierarchical order of nations resembles gangsterism.

This week, 93 countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the ICC and declared a united stance against impunity. In a joint statement, they defend the need to uphold the principles and values of the Rome Statute – on which the court was founded – and to protect its integrity from any interference and pressure.

It’s a bit late, its language is weak, and the obvious culprits weren’t named, but it’s better than nothing. The statement came after the US House of Representatives passed a bill that will require sanctions against the ICC if the court investigates or prosecutes individuals protected by Washington or its allies.

The US bill followed an application by the ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. A concerted intimidation campaign was launched against Khan before he made the........

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