ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders, Sparking International Debate
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, citing "reasonable grounds" to believe they bear responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The decision has triggered strong reactions from both sides of the conflict and the international community. Israel condemned the ICC's move as "antisemitic," while Hamas welcomed the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant as an "important historical precedent." The ICC's authority to issue these warrants stems from its jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territories, established in 2021. The court's investigation focused on the events of October 7th, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. The warrants allege that Deif is […]