The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas’s military commander Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In a statement on Thursday, the ICC said, “The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two persons, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr. Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least October 8, 2023, until at least May 20, 2024.”
A warrant has also been issued for Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’s military wing. While Israel claimed to have killed Deif in an airstrike in July, Hamas has denied his death.
The ICC’s decision restricts the movement of Netanyahu and Gallant, as the court’s 124 member states are required to execute the arrest warrants if the individuals enter their territories.
The warrants had initially been classified as “secret” to protect witnesses and the integrity of investigations.
However, the ICC released details to inform victims and address ongoing similar conduct.
The charges against Netanyahu and Gallant stem from the conflict that began after Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities.
The subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to a reported death toll of over 44,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Netanyahu dismissed Gallant from his role as defense minister on November 5 amid growing internal tensions.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan initially filed the request for arrest warrants in May, targeting senior Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Deif.
The ongoing war has devastated Gaza and prompted international calls for accountability.
While the ICC’s actions are a significant step toward addressing alleged war crimes, both Israel and Hamas deny wrongdoing.
Israel has historically rejected ICC jurisdiction, as it is not a signatory to the Rome Statute.
