The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. Netanyahu and Gallant do not face immediate arrest risks unless they travel to ICC member states that recognize its jurisdiction. Many Palestinians hope the warrants will lead to accountability for the ongoing conflict’s casualties.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. These personalities will be arrested over alleged war crimes during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The court’s pre-trial chamber found “reasonable grounds” to believe the three men are responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The warrants stem from the events of October 7, 2023. Hamas fighters attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hostages. In response, Israel launched military strikes, which led to significant casualties in Gaza. T The health ministry reports over 44,000 deaths, mostly women and children. The ICC charges Netanyahu and Gallant with war crimes. The allegations include targeting civilians and depriving them of essential resources like food, water, and medicine. Deif is accused of crimes related to the violence against Israeli civilians and hostages.
What Will Happen Next?
Israel and Hamas both reject the ICC’s findings. Netanyahu has called the decision “antisemitic,” while Hamas sees the warrants as a historical precedent for accountability. However, the impact of these warrants depends on whether ICC member states, which exclude Israel and the U.S., will enforce them. The U.S. has already rejected the ICC’s decision. Some European countries, including Italy and the Netherlands, have indicated they will cooperate with the court’s requests.
ICC judges have issued 56 arrest warrants, resulting in 21 detentions and appearances before the court. Another 27 people remain at large and charges have been dropped against 7 people due to their deaths.
Despite the warrants, Netanyahu and Gallant face no immediate arrest risks unless they travel to a country that recognizes ICC jurisdiction. The situation highlights tensions around international law, with critics arguing that justice may be selectively applied. Many Palestinians hope the warrants will lead to accountability for the deaths and suffering caused by the conflict.
