The International Criminal Court (ICC) has released arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, on charges of “crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
Additionally, a warrant has also been issued for Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, commonly referred to as Mohammed Deif. Earlier in November, Netanyahu dismissed Gallant from his position, following reports that the defence minister had proposed a cessation of hostilities and a negotiation to secure the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.
The ICC has stated that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that both Netanyahu and Gallant “bear criminal responsibility for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare.”
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I, consisting of three judges, announced that it has dismissed appeals from Israel contesting the court’s jurisdiction. The chamber indicated that the arrest warrants are designated as “secret,” yet it has opted to make them public due to the ongoing nature of the conduct referenced in the warrants, which pertains to the current Israeli genocidal actions in Gaza.
Furthermore, the Chamber accused Netanyahu and Gallant of having “intentionally and knowingly deprived” the civilian population of Gaza of essential resources such as food, water, medicine, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity.
This decision has rendered Netanyahu and other leaders as internationally wanted individuals, likely exacerbating their isolation and complicating efforts to negotiate a cease-fire to conclude the 13-month genocidal war.
In May 2024, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan petitioned the court to issue warrants against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
