Arrest Warrants Issued by ICC for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif Over Gaza War Crimes

THE HAGUE (AP) — The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas’ military chief, Mohammed Deif, accusing them of crimes against humanity in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The court alleges that Netanyahu and Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza, and have intentionally targeted civilians in their military campaign against Hamas.

Israeli officials have denied the charges, with the government asserting that their actions are in line with self-defense measures against Hamas’ militant activities. The court’s decision comes as the death toll from the Israeli military operation surpasses 44,000, with more than half of the victims reported to be women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The toll does not specify the number of combatants versus civilians among those killed.

This landmark development highlights the international legal consequences tied to the war, as global scrutiny of both Israel and Hamas intensifies amid the ongoing violence in the region.