Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that three individuals, including Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, bear “criminal responsibility” for alleged crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. This conclusion comes as part of their announcement regarding the issuance of arrest warrants. The ICC has alleged that the individuals are implicated in war crimes, specifically the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution.
These arrest warrants were issued after the ICC dismissed Israel’s challenges concerning the Court’s jurisdiction over these matters. Additionally, a warrant has been issued for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, who is accused of numerous crimes against humanity, including murder and torture. Israel has previously stated that Deif may have been killed in an airstrike last July, and uncertainty surrounds his status as of November 15.
The ICC has stated its intention to continue investigating alleged crimes in the ongoing conflict, with the possibility of further arrest warrants being issued in the future. Notably, initial applications for warrants against senior Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar were withdrawn after both were confirmed dead.
To protect the integrity of the investigation and the safety of witnesses, the details of the warrants are classified as “secret.” However, the ICC deemed it necessary to disclose this information, considering the persistent nature of violations of international law and the ongoing situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where hostages are still held.
In a statement highlighting the plight of victims, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized the need for collective action to support victims of international crimes in both Israel and the State of Palestine. He reiterated that the warrants were sought based on comprehensive investigations rooted in objective evidence. Khan called on all member states to uphold their obligations under the Rome Statute and to collaborate with the ICC in the pursuit of justice.
The ICC, established by the Rome Statute in 1998, functions independently to address severe international crimes and ensure accountability when national legal systems fail to do so.
This situation is a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict, and the developments may provide hope for the victims and their families seeking justice and accountability. It is essential for the international community to rally around the principles of law, justice, and human rights to bring some semblance of closure to those affected by the conflict.