{"id":26018,"date":"2024-11-22T00:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T22:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=26018"},"modified":"2024-11-21T23:29:18","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T21:29:18","slug":"icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-and-former-defense-minister-gallant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-and-former-defense-minister-gallant\/","title":{"rendered":"ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former defense minister Gallant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

4 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and a senior Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. The warrants have been issued on the grounds of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing Gaza conflict<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ICC\u2019s verdict said that Netanyahu and Gallant bear responsibility for criminal acts including murder, persecution, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. In their ruling, ICC judges stated that these actions formed part of a \u201cwidespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The accusations stem from Israel\u2019s brutal military operations in Gaza, launched in retaliation for the October 7, attacks by Hamas. Israel\u2019s military response to the attacks has resulted in the deaths of approximately 44,000 Palestinians, and displaced nearly all the enclave\u2019s population, creating what international observers have described as a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite the accusations, Israel has vehemently denied committing war crimes and rejected the ICC\u2019s jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Netanyahu\u2019s office dismissed the decision as \u201canti-Semitic,\u201d declaring that the Prime Minister \u201cwill not yield to pressure\u201d and remains committed to achieving Israel\u2019s military objectives. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the ICC\u2019s decision \u201ca dark moment\u201d and accused the court of issuing \u201cabsurd orders without authority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Israeli<\/a>
A handout photo released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office on October 26, 2024, shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF commanders in the bunker below the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. (Image Credit: Avi Ohayun\/GPO)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, faces charges of mass killings, rape, and the taking of hostages during the October 2023 attack. Israel claimed to have killed Al-Masri in a July airstrike, although Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied his death. ICC prosecutors indicated they would continue to investigate his status and gather evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamas welcomed the arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, calling them a significant step toward accountability. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim remarked, \u201cIt remains a limited and spiritual step if it was not backed practically by all countries to get this decision implemented in compliance with law and justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ICC relies on its 124 member states to enforce arrest warrants, as it lacks its police force. While member states are obligated to cooperate, the court has limited diplomatic tools to compel compliance. Israel, which is not a member of the ICC, has rejected its authority, as has the United States, Israel\u2019s key ally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prosecutor Karim Khan initially announced plans to seek arrest warrants in May, following extensive investigations into alleged crimes committed by both sides during the conflict. However, both Israeli and Hamas leaders have rejected the allegations, maintaining that their actions were lawful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


International reactions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ICC\u2019s decision has drawn a mixed global response. The European Union\u2019s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, urged respect for the court\u2019s ruling, stating, \u201cThe tragedy in Gaza has to stop.\u201d Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed the sentiment, calling for justice for Palestinians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I take note of the decision of the @IntlCrimCourt<\/a> to issue arrest warrants for Israel PM Netanyahu, former Minister Gallant, and Hamas leader Deif.

These decisions are binding on all States party to the Rome Statute, which includes all EU Member States.<\/p>— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) November 21, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>