ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas Leader Over War Crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. The warrants accuse the three men of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The ICC claims there are “reasonable grounds to believe” that Netanyahu and Gallant are responsible for crimes including the use of starvation as a weapon of war, deliberate attacks on civilians, and other inhumane acts. For Deif, who orchestrated the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, the charges include murder, rape, torture, and hostage-taking. However, Israel has stated that Deif may have been killed in a July airstrike, a claim the ICC has not verified.
These developments stem from the events of October 7th, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. In response, Israel began a military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 44,000 deaths according to Gaza’s health ministry. Both Israel and Hamas have denied the ICC’s accusations, with Israeli officials rejecting the court's jurisdiction outright.
The warrants, initially sought by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in May, have intensified the debate about the ICC’s role in the situation. The U.S., a non-member of the ICC like Israel, condemned the decision to pursue Israeli leaders while supporting similar actions against Russian officials.
For Netanyahu and Gallant, the warrants mean potential arrest if they visit any of the ICC’s 124 member states. While some countries have ignored past ICC warrants, this move adds to international scrutiny of Netanyahu's government, especially as the U.S. continues efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Domestically, the warrants may bolster Netanyahu’s position, as many Israelis see the ICC's actions as unwelcome interference. Meanwhile, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the ICC's decision a “mark of shame.” As the situation unfolds, the ICC’s decision raises questions about justice and accountability in the context of a deeply polarising conflict.
