ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Galant
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant. This decision follows a six-month investigation led by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, who found reasonable grounds to believe that both officials committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The court's ruling comes despite Israel's objections regarding the ICC's jurisdiction, which it has consistently contested.
The ICC's charges against Netanyahu and Galant include the alleged deprivation of essential goods such as food, water, and medical supplies to the civilian population in Gaza, as well as directing attacks against civilians. The court's statement emphasized that these actions could be classified as using starvation as a weapon of war, along with other serious violations such as murder and persecution.
Hamas Welcomes the ICC's Decision
In a statement following the ICC's announcement, Hamas welcomed the arrest warrants, describing them as a significant historical precedent. The group accused the U.S. administration of attempting to obstruct the ICC's proceedings and called for broader accountability for all Israeli leaders involved in actions against Palestinians. Hamas emphasized the need for international cooperation to bring those responsible for what it termed
