Thursday, November 28, 2024
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on November 21, 2024, for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif. The warrants accuse the three of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 2023-2024 Israel–Hamas war.
In response, Netanyahu’s office rejected the decision, calling it an expression of “antisemitism” in an official statement. Hamas, on the other hand, expressed support for the ICC's involvement. Several countries and organizations have voiced differing opinions on the matter.
According to Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, the ICC's decision is binding on all member states of the European Union. Non-member states like the U.S. reject the court, but several signatory states, including France, Italy and the Netherlands, have expressed their intention to follow ICC rules. The ICC’s decision has turned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others into internationally wanted suspects, exposing them to potential arrest during foreign travel.
According to the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC, Netanyahu and Gallant are charged with co-perpetrating war crimes, including starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, persecution, and systematic attacks on Palestinian civilian populations. Deif, who is accused of orchestrating and committing war crimes such as targeted rocket attacks and the intentional murder of Israeli civilians, was reported killed by Israel. While Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied the claim, the ICC stated it is still gathering information about his alleged death. Previously, the court dropped charges against seven individuals due to their deaths.
These warrants legally compel the 124 ICC member states to arrest officials should they enter their territories. Since the ICC lacks its own police force, it relies on member states to carry out arrests. Previous warrants have effectively limited the international movement of those involved, as member states are obligated to enforce these legal orders within their jurisdiction.
