Netayanhu

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The warrants, announced on Thursday, relate to actions during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

According to the ICC judges, Netanyahu and Gallant are accused of responsibility for starvation in Gaza and the persecution of Palestinians. Al-Masri, reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike, faces charges of mass killings, rape, and hostage-taking during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan initiated the process on May 20, alleging crimes connected to the attacks on Israel and the Israeli military’s response in Gaza.

Israel has rejected the court’s jurisdiction and denies committing war crimes in Gaza. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the warrants a “mark of shame” for the ICC, while opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the move as “a reward for terrorism.”

Hamas has not confirmed or denied Al-Masri’s reported death. Both Israeli and Hamas leaders have dismissed allegations of war crimes.

The ICC, which relies on member states for arrests, noted that Israel’s acceptance of its jurisdiction is not required. Its members include nations such as Britain, Canada, and Jordan.