The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (also known as Mohammed Deif). They are accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing conflict.
The warrants follow ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s announcement in May 2023 to pursue investigations into alleged atrocities linked to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Tel Aviv’s military response in Gaza. The ICC alleges that all parties deliberately targeted civilians in Gaza by restricting access to essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and energy.
Israel, which does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, has denied accusations of war crimes and defended its military actions as necessary self-defense. Israel claims to have killed Mohammed Deif in an airstrike, though Hamas has not confirmed his death.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’ October 7 incursion into southern Israel, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others. Hamas states that 44,056 people have died in Gaza since the fighting began.
The ICC’s move has intensified international scrutiny over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing violence. Both sides remain defiant, with Israel conducting its own investigations and Hamas contesting claims of leadership losses.
