The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The warrants accuse them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian territory.
The ICC’s decision turns Netanyahu and Gallant into internationally wanted suspects, likely complicating efforts to negotiate a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict. The court’s charges include allegations that they intentionally deprived the civilian population in Gaza of essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and electricity.
Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have condemned the ICC’s actions, calling them disgraceful and antisemitic. The United States, a major ally of Israel, has also criticized the ICC’s decision, with President Joe Biden expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
The ICC’s move comes amid a broader international debate over the jurisdiction and authority of the court, especially given that neither Israel nor the United States are members of the ICC.
Despite the warrants, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu and Gallant will face trial in The Hague anytime soon.
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