Netanyahu denounces bid to arrest him over Gaza war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants for him over alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict. The ICC also issued arrest warrants for Hamas leaders.
Netanyahu rejected the comparison of “democratic Israel” with “mass murderers,” expressing his disgust. U.S. President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, saying that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas.
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‘War crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza’
The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, stated there are reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The ICC is also pursuing a warrant for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for war crimes.
Israel and the U.S., both non-members of the ICC, have criticised the court’s actions. The accusations against Israeli and Hamas leaders are linked to the events of October 7, when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 252 hostages, sparking the ongoing conflict in which at least 35,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza according to Hamas-run health ministry figures.
President Biden reiterated there is “no equivalence” between Israel and Hamas, emphasising Israel’s efforts to protect civilians. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned the ICC’s move, calling it “shameful” and saying the court lacks jurisdiction in this matter. Blinken warned that the warrants could jeopardise ceasefire efforts.
The ICC prosecutor has also applied for arrest warrants for Gallant, Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and military chief Mohammed Deif. The allegations against Israeli leaders include crimes such as the starvation of civilians, murder, and directing attacks against civilians, starting from October 8, 2023. The allegations against Hamas leaders are in relation to their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.