In his post, Khamenei emphasized, “All political and military leaders of the terrorist Zionist gang should face trial.” His remarks follow the recent issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Charges of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
On November 21, the ICC accused Netanyahu and Gallant of genocide and crimes against humanity in connection to their roles in the 13-month-long war in Gaza. The charges include allegations of using starvation as a method of warfare by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza and deliberately targeting civilians.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since October 7 of the previous year, Israel has conducted an extensive military campaign across Gaza, enforcing a severe blockade that has cut off food, water, electricity, and fuel supplies for over two million Palestinians. The sustained assault has reportedly caused over 44,000 deaths, the majority of whom are women and children.
Ongoing airstrikes have left Gaza in ruins, with thousands feared to be trapped under debris. Aid agencies and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned the situation as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Iran’s Stance on Israeli Actions
Khamenei’s statement underscores Iran’s longstanding opposition to Israel’s policies, particularly its actions in Gaza. The call for accountability aligns with growing international criticism of the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
The ICC’s arrest warrants mark a significant development in efforts to hold Israeli leaders accountable for their actions in Gaza, but their enforcement remains uncertain amid strong opposition from Israel and its allies.
