Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for three individuals, including Israeli officials, citing reasonable grounds for their involvement in serious international crimes. The warrants were issued amid ongoing military activities in the region, and the court emphasized the need for accountability following alleged violations of international law.
According to the ICC, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant share criminal responsibility for acts including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity such as murder and persecution. The timeframe for these alleged crimes spans from at least October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024, which marks the date when the prosecution filed for arrest warrants.
In addition, a warrant against Mohammed Deif, a Hamas military commander, accuses him of crimes against humanity and various war crimes, including murder and torture, even though Israel claims he was killed in an airstrike in July. The ICC is actively investigating the situation and has stated that it continues to collect information regarding Deif’s status.
The prosecution, which initially sought warrants for two other Hamas leaders, withdrew these applications following confirmations of their deaths. The ICC has classified the arrest warrants as “secret” to protect witnesses and ongoing investigations but chose to publicize the information due to the continued conflict and potential violations of international law in the region.
In a recent statement, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan called for collective attention on the victims of the conflict, emphasizing the law’s role in safeguarding the rights of all individuals affected by international crimes. He urged all states to cooperate with the court to uphold international law and accountability.
The ICC operates independently from the United Nations, established under the Rome Statute, which aims to address serious international crimes when national justice systems are lacking.
This move by the ICC represents a significant step in the international community’s efforts to ensure accountability for war crimes and reminds all parties involved of the importance of adhering to international legal standards. By focusing on the victims and their families, the ICC hopes to reinforce the need for justice and prevent future atrocities.