Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alongside Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, bear “criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during ongoing conflicts. The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I identified charges against Netanyahu and Gallant, suggesting they committed crimes including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, as well as murder, persecution, and inhumane acts, from at least October 8, 2023, until at least May 20, 2024.
The arrest warrants were issued following the ICC’s rejection of Israel’s jurisdictional challenges. The charges against Deif, despite reports of his death in a July airstrike, include allegations of murder, torture, and various forms of sexual violence. The ICC has stated that it continues to gather information on Deif’s status, which remained uncertain as of mid-November.
The court opted to disclose the existence of these warrants to protect witnesses and ensure the integrity of investigative processes. This decision aligns with the ongoing war and the potential violations of international law occurring in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly as hostages remain in Gaza.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized the importance of focusing on the victims of these alleged crimes during discussions with affected families. He reiterated that the warrants were backed by thorough investigations and objective evidence and called for all states to comply with the ICC’s orders, urging cooperation for accountability and justice.
The ICC, operating under the Rome Statute, is an independent entity established to handle severe international offenses when local justice systems are unable or unwilling to act.
This recent development underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the ICC’s commitment to ensuring accountability for serious crimes. As investigations progress, there is hope that truth and justice will eventually prevail, offering a path toward healing for victims and their families affected by the violence.