Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Specifically, the ICC alleges that Netanyahu and Gallant used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. In addition, Netanyahu and Gallant are accused of intentionally targeting civilians in Gaza.
The warrant against Al-Masri focuses on mass killings during the October 7 attack last year. Israel has said it killed Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in an air strike but Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied this.
Israel has rejected the jurisdiction of The Hague-based court and denies war crimes in Gaza. The ICC said Israel's acceptance of the court's jurisdiction was not required.
Judging from Netanyahu’s tough talk since the start of the conflict, he is unlikely to stop his attacks on Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. But symbolism and international solidarity matter. The issuing of the warrants is a call to action and presents a critical opportunity for all countries to respond to the dictates of international law.
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