ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant Against Israeli PM Netanyahu, Hamas Leader Over Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan has taken a bold step by filing an application for arrest warrants against key figures in the ongoing Gaza conflict. On Monday, Khan requested the International Court of Justice to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, citing their involvement in alleged war crimes.

Khan’s appeal highlights severe accusations against both the Israel Armed Forces and Hamas militants. The charges encompass a range of grave offenses, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, willfully causing great suffering or serious injury, intentional attacks on civilians, and murder as war crimes. Additional accusations include crimes against humanity such as extermination, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

Specifically, the ICC prosecutor also sought the arrest of Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, chief of Hamas’s military wing, implicating him in similar crimes.

Human rights lawyer Geoffrey Nice welcomed Khan’s move, emphasizing the significance of the legal process taking precedence over political influences. “It’s encouraging to see the law taking its rightful place,” Nice told Al Jazeera, though he advised caution as the application for arrest warrants awaits judicial confirmation.

In stark contrast, Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz condemned the ICC prosecutor’s application, describing it as “a crime of historic proportion.” Gantz criticized the comparison of Israeli leaders to those of Hamas, calling it a severe distortion of justice and morality.