The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on November 21, 2024, for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. This decision stems from allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The ICC judges found reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant were criminally responsible for acts including murder, persecution, and starvation as a weapon of war, as part of a systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza. The warrant for Al-Masri cites charges related to mass killings during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which initiated the current war.
In response, Netanyahu's office condemned the ICC's actions as anti-Semitic, asserting that Israel would not yield to pressure. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterized the court's decision as a loss of legitimacy, calling it a dark moment for the ICC.
Hamas welcomed the warrants, viewing them as a step towards justice for victims of the conflict. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized the need for practical support from nations to enforce the ICC's decisions.
The ICC relies on its member states to execute arrest warrants, and whether any of the accused will be apprehended remains uncertain. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has also criticized the court, with Senator Lindsey Graham labeling it a dangerous joke.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with reports indicating approximately 44,000 Palestinians killed and widespread displacement in Gaza since the Israeli military campaign began in response to the October attacks.