ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders
International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes during the seven-month Israel-Hamas conflict. This includes Netanyahu, Gallant, Yehia Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. The conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and triggered a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan announced he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders—Yehia Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh.
The warrant requests pertain to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The pre-trial panel of judges is expected to take approximately two months to review the evidence.
While Israel is not a member of the ICC, the arrest warrants could impose travel restrictions on Netanyahu and Gallant.
Sinwar and Deif are reportedly hiding in Gaza, while Haniyeh is based in Qatar.
The conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages, has resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
The UN and aid agencies have accused Israel of blocking aid, a claim Israel denies.
Both Israeli and Hamas actions have drawn widespread condemnation, prompting ICC investigations.