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 in the Gaza conflict.
The court found “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu and Gallant were criminally responsible for acts including murder, persecution, and using starvation as a weapon of war in what it described as a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.”
Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, faces charges related to the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, including mass killings, rape, and hostage-taking. While Israel claims to have killed Al-Masri in a July airstrike, Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied his death.
The decision has sparked divergent reactions, with Israel calling it “anti-semitic” and “absurd.” Netanyahu’s office stated he “will not yield to pressure, will not be deterred” until Israel’s war objectives are met. Hamas welcomed the warrants against the Israeli leaders, with senior official Basem Naim calling it an important step towards bringing justice for the victims.
The EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that the decision should be respected and implemented as a judicial rather than political ruling. The Netherlands has indicated its willingness to act upon the warrants, while U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham dismissed the court as “a dangerous joke.”
Beyond the ICC’s action against individuals, Israel also faces legal challenges at the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has filed a case accusing it of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza – allegations Israel vehemently denies. The ICC’s ability to enforce its warrants remains limited, as it relies on its 124 member states for arrests, and Israel rejects its jurisdiction.
