The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The warrants relate to actions taken in Israel and the state of Palestine since October 7, 2023, following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to the warrants, the court alleges that the named parties knowingly deprived Gaza’s civilian population of essential resources, contributing to a humanitarian crisis.
Israeli officials have condemned the ICC’s decision, labeling it a moral failure and a manifestation of double standards in international law, and Netanyahu called the court’s actions anti-Semitic and absurd. “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza,” he insisted.
Learn more about the all-new VT News and subscribe today!
In contrast, Palestinian leaders have welcomed the warrants, urging further legal actions against Israel regarding alleged genocide. The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, has resulted in over 44,000 deaths in Gaza and significant casualties in Israel and Lebanon.
“(It’s) an important step towards justice and can lead to redress for the victims in general, but it remains limited and symbolic if it is not supported by all means by all countries around the world,” Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim said in a statement.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the ICC’s decision, emphasizing the necessity for accountability in international law violations.
The ICC’s jurisdiction in Israel has long been a contentious issue, with the Israeli government rejecting it on the grounds that it is not party to the Rome Statute.
Netanyahu now joins the ranks of other world leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing similar charges from the ICC. The situation underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in the region.
Add comment