ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas Leaders Over War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top Hamas leaders on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan seeks warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes such as “starvation,” “wilful killing,” and “extermination and/or murder,” claiming these acts were part of a systematic attack on the Palestinian civilian population under state policy. Similarly, Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh face charges including “extermination,” “rape and other acts of sexual violence,” and “taking hostages as a war crime,” related to attacks against Israeli civilians.

Khan’s investigation, which began in 2021, extends to recent hostilities, particularly those since the attacks on October 7, 2023. Despite calls for compliance with international laws of armed conflict, both Israel and Hamas continue to face scrutiny for their actions. The ICC’s arrest warrants, if granted, would obligate its 124 member states to arrest Netanyahu should he travel to their territories. However, Israel has declared it will not recognize the ICC’s rulings.

The ICC, established in 2002, operates as an independent court addressing the gravest offenses like genocide and war crimes, stepping in when nations fail to prosecute such crimes themselves.