ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu and Others Over War Crimes

The warrants are tied to alleged crimes committed during the Israel-Hamas conflict. ICC judges stated there are “reasonable grounds” to hold the three individuals accountable for the atrocities committed during the hostilities.

Both Israel and Hamas have denied the allegations.

The enforcement of these warrants depends on the ICC’s 124 member states, as Israel and its key ally, the United States, are not signatories to the court.

The ICC's Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, had requested warrants in May for Netanyahu, Gallant, Deif, and other Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. Haniyeh and Sinwar were reportedly killed in recent military operations, according to Israeli officials.

The case stems from the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages to Gaza. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign against Hamas, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, at least 44,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict.

The ICC warrants are expected to escalate international scrutiny of the conflict and may create further tensions in the already polarized geopolitical landscape. Whether member states will act on these warrants remains uncertain.