Arrest warrants have been issued for Netanyahu, Gallant, and a Hamas commander over alleged war crimes.
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, its former defense minister, and Hamas's military commander.
A statement revealed that a pre-trial chamber had dismissed Israel’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction and issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
An additional warrant was issued for Mohammed Deif, despite Israeli military claims that he was killed in a Gaza airstrike in July.
The judges stated there were "reasonable grounds" to believe the three men held "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Both Israel and Hamas have denied the accusations.
The enforcement of the warrants now lies with the ICC's 124 member states, which exclude Israel and its ally, the United States.
In May, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan sought warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, Deif, and two other Hamas leaders—Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar—who have since been killed. Although Israel claims Deif was also killed, the chamber stated it could not confirm his death.
The case against them stems from the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza.
Israel responded with a military campaign aimed at eliminating Hamas, resulting in at least 44,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Mr. Khan accused the Hamas leaders of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including extermination, murder, hostage-taking, rape, and torture. Israeli leaders faced accusations of deliberate attacks on civilians, using starvation as a weapon of war, extermination, and murder.
Conclusion
Arrest warrants have reportedly been issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a senior Hamas commander by an international tribunal. The allegations pertain to war crimes committed during the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu and Gallant face accusations related to military actions resulting in significant civilian casualties, while the Hamas commander is alleged to have overseen attacks on Israeli civilians. These charges highlight the intensifying scrutiny of leaders on both sides amid calls for accountability. The move could further complicate efforts toward a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0