ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders and Hamas Chief

On 21st November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Key Points

Arrest Warrants: Issued for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes, including starvation as a method of warfare, and crimes against humanity, such as murder, persecution, and inhumane acts.
Hamas Leader: A warrant was also issued for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, though Israel claims he was killed in an airstrike, which Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied.
ICC Involvement: The ICC became involved after Palestine referred the situation to the court in 2018. Additional referrals from countries including South Africa, Bangladesh, and Mexico were submitted in 2023 and 2024.
Charges against Netanyahu and Gallant: The two leaders are accused of intentionally depriving Gaza’s population of food, water, medical supplies, and electricity, inflicting suffering through inhumane acts.
Legal Implications: The arrest warrants are binding, but enforcement depends on cooperation from ICC member countries, which are obligated to arrest and extradite Netanyahu and Gallant if they travel to these nations.
Political Significance: The arrest warrants heighten international pressure on Israel, especially as many of Netanyahu’s allies are ICC member states, complicating his ability to travel internationally without risking arrest.