ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu and Hamas Leader Sinwar on War Crime Charges

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday its intent to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on charges of war crimes.

These charges are linked to the deadly October 7 terror attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, according to the ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a ceremony on May 13, 2024.Gil Cohen-Magen/UPI/Shutterstock

Warrants are also being sought for Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and two senior Hamas officials.

Hamas leaders face accusations including extermination, murder, torture, rape, and taking hostages, all classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israel is accused of “willful killing,” “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare,” and “willfully causing great suffering.”

Khan stated that these alleged war crimes occurred within the context of an international armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as a non-international conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

 Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas in Gaza, greets his supporters upon his arrival at a meeting in a hall on the seaside of Gaza City. AP

Reflecting on the October 7 Hamas attacks, Khan described the harrowing scenes and the profound impact of these crimes.

He emphasized the necessity for accountability, recounting how survivors detailed the calculated cruelty inflicted on families.

The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, has the authority to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Israel, which is not a member of the ICC, disputes the court’s jurisdiction over its actions.

An ICC panel of judges will review the prosecutor’s applications for these arrest warrants.

Khan acknowledged Israel’s right to defend its population but insisted that this does not exempt Israel from adhering to international humanitarian law.

He condemned the methods used by Israel in Gaza, describing them as criminal due to the intentional harm inflicted on civilians.

The announcement follows warnings from Israel’s Foreign Ministry about potential ICC actions against its leaders.

Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously criticized the impending charges, calling them a historic scandal.

Netanyahu described the potential arrest warrants for IDF commanders and state leaders as outrageous in a video statement.

Netanyahu has not publicly responded to the ICC’s announcement regarding the arrest warrants.