ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Israeli PM Netanyahu, Ex-Defense Chief, And Hamas Leader
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense chief, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This development follows ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s announcement on May 20, seeking warrants related to alleged crimes stemming from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza.
The ICC clarified that Israel’s consent to its jurisdiction was not required for the warrant issuance. Despite this, Israel has rejected the Hague-based court’s jurisdiction and denies allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
In a related development, Israel claimed to have killed Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike, though Hamas has yet to confirm this claim.
The warrants come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Iran intensifies. Israel has expanded its military operations into Lebanon, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.
