The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif (also known as Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The warrants stem from accusations that Netanyahu and Gallant intentionally deprived Gaza’s population of essentials such as food, water, medicine, and electricity during military actions, which the ICC deems as constituting war crimes. Hamas leader Deif is accused of orchestrating the October 7 attack on Israel, involving crimes such as murder, torture, and hostage-taking.
Although Israel is not a member of the ICC and rejects its jurisdiction, the court stated that Israel’s acceptance of its authority is not required. Israel claims it has killed Deif in airstrikes, though Hamas has not confirmed this. The warrants carry international implications, especially for travel and diplomatic engagements of the accused.
