The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing their alleged involvement in “war crimes” in Gaza. The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, accusing him of “crimes against humanity and war crimes.”

Allegations and Warrants

The ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, stated there were “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant intentionally deprived Gaza’s civilian population of essential supplies critical for survival. The warrants are linked to alleged actions during heightened hostilities in Gaza.

The warrant against Deif pertains to Hamas-led activities. Notably, Israel claimed in August that Deif was killed in an airstrike.

Global Reactions

The warrants have triggered strong international responses:

Israel's Reaction

• Netanyahu’s office dismissed the decision as “absurd” and “anti-Semitic.”
• Israeli officials likened the warrants to the historical Dreyfus trial, claiming injustice and pledging not to yield to international pressure.

Palestinian Authorities

The Palestinian Authority, governing the West Bank, welcomed the ICC’s decision as a beacon of hope for justice. It urged member nations to enforce the court’s directives, including severing ties with Netanyahu and Gallant.

Hamas

Hamas praised the move, calling it a step toward accountability but criticized its limited scope. The group urged the ICC to widen its investigation to include more Israeli officials.

United States

President Joe Biden condemned the ICC's actions, emphasizing unwavering support for Israel and its security. The White House questioned the jurisdiction of the ICC in the matter, calling the process rushed and flawed.

European Union

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell supported the ICC, stating that its decisions must be respected and implemented by all member states of the Rome Statute.

South Africa and Other Nations

South Africa described the warrants as a critical step toward justice for Palestinians, urging compliance with international law. Countries such as France and Austria, while acknowledging their obligations under the Rome Statute, expressed reservations about enforcing the warrants.

Implications and Next Steps

The ICC warrants place significant international legal and diplomatic pressure on Israel. As a member of the Rome Statute, signatory countries are obligated to arrest those named in ICC warrants if they enter their territories.

The global community remains divided, with some nations emphasizing justice and others questioning the ICC’s neutrality. This development adds complexity to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further polarizing international alliances and diplomatic efforts.