TLDR:
ICC issues Netanyahu arrest warrant
War crimes in Gaza targeted
Hamas leader also faces indictment
The Hague (The Thursday Times) — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. The charges stem from alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict, spanning October 2023 to May 2024. These include deliberate attacks on civilians and using starvation as a weapon.
The ICC has escalated its focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, formally accusing Netanyahu and Gallant of severe violations of international law. The charges allege that both individuals orchestrated a campaign of violence that included the systematic targeting of civilians, the weaponisation of starvation, and other forms of inhumane treatment.
Prosecutors claim the actions were not incidental but part of a coordinated effort to achieve political and military objectives. The charges mark a historic moment, as no sitting Israeli leader has ever faced such international legal scrutiny.
Charges against Hamas leader
The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas leader. Deif faces accusations of orchestrating attacks against Israeli civilians, particularly during Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel. While reports suggest Deif may have been killed by Israeli forces, the ICC’s warrant signals its commitment to pursuing accountability, regardless of geopolitical complexities.
Hamas, however, has neither confirmed nor denied Deif’s death, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding his role and fate.
ICC jurisdictional qualms
Israel has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that it is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which forms the court’s legal foundation. The ICC, however, maintains that its jurisdiction is valid due to Palestine’s recognition as a member state. This legal dispute underscores the broader international divide over the ICC’s role in addressing alleged war crimes in the region.
The arrest warrants also restrict Netanyahu and Gallant’s international mobility. Travel to any country recognising the Rome Statute could lead to their detention and transfer to The Hague, a reality that could further isolate Israel diplomatically.
The situation has been compounded by the United States’ recent veto of a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution had garnered significant support from non-permanent council members but was blocked by Washington, citing concerns over the resolution’s balance. This move has drawn criticism for enabling continued conflict, even as international legal bodies like the ICC push for accountability.
