ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader Deif
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence minister Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif, the highest commander of Hamas’ military wing. The charges apply to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Israel from October 2023 to May 2024.
The ICC accuses Netanyahu and Gallant of using starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and targeting civilians. “The alleged crimes against humanity were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza,” the court said.
The ICC also said there were reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant “intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity”. This obstruction of humanitarian aid in Gaza, the court said, is in violation of international humanitarian law.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber also issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, commonly known as Deif, for alleged crimes during and after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack, which included mass killings, hostage-taking, torture and sexual violence.
Deif is accused of planning and directing the attacks as part of a systematic campaign targeting Israeli civilians. Although there have been inconclusive reports of Deif’s death remain, the ICC issued the warrant in light of ongoing hostage situations.
The arrest warrants for all parties are classified to protect witnesses and investigations, but the court disclosed key details to highlight the severity of the crimes and their impact. The rulings are rather symbolic but could intensify international scrutiny of both Israeli and Hamas leadership.
Benjamin Netanyahu © PHOTO TOBIAS SCHWARZ / AFP
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