ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader Deif for ‘war crimes’ in Gaza

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohamed Deif, whom Israel says was killed in an airstrike, according to AP.

The warrants, announced Thursday, charge the three individuals with war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the October 7th attack on Israel, which marked the beginning of the war.

Netanyahu and Gallant face accusations of using starvation and deprivation of medical aid as part of military tactics in Gaza. Meanwhile, Deif, the former head of Hamas’ military is charged with acts of rape, torture, and murder in the October 7^th attacks.

The ICC withdrew warrants for two other senior Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, after Hamas confirmed their deaths during the conflict.

In response, Netanyahu condemned the move. He said in a statement “Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions. There is nothing more than just than the war that Israel has been waving in Gaza,” the AP reports.

Human rights organizations have praised the ICC's decision.

According to Gaza's health authorities, more than 44,000 people have been killed in the ongoing conflict, with women and children accounting for more than half of the casualties.

The warrants will complicate international travel for Netanyahu and Gallant, as 124 countries that are signatories to the ICC are obligated to arrest individuals with outstanding warrants. However, the ICC has no enforcement mechanism to compel compliance from non-signatory nations.