The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant “for crimes against humanity and war crimes” allegedly committed during the Gaza War.
In addition, a warrant was issued for Hamas military leader Mohammad Deif, who was killed by the IDF months ago. ICC chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, had requested the warrants in May.
The court issued the warrants after ruling that it has jurisdiction in the case, contrary to Israel’s stated position, which doesn’t recognize the court’s authority.
In a detailed explanation of its decision, the court wrote that it found “reasonable grounds to believe” that Netanyahu and Gallant “each bear criminal responsibility for the following crimes as co-perpetrators for committing the acts jointly with others: the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.”
The court accused them of “intentionally and knowingly” depriving civilians in Gaza “of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity.”
The court further argued that even decisions allowing or increasing humanitarian assistance into Gaza “were often conditional” and only made in “response to the pressure of the international community or requests by the United States of America. In any event, the increases in humanitarian assistance were not sufficient to improve the population’s access to essential goods.” More Here
ICEJ warns of ‘chilling’ consequences of ICC arrest warrants against Israeli leaders
