The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has urged judges to make a decision on his request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials linked to the war on Gaza. Khan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that any delay would harm the rights of victims. He had previously applied for arrest warrants in May against Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders.
Khan argued that the ICC has jurisdiction over Israelis committing atrocities in the occupied Palestinian territory, dismissing Israel’s claims of conducting its own investigations into alleged war crimes. ICC prosecutors believe that Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas officials bear responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. While there have been reports of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the court has not confirmed it.
Both Israel and Palestinian leaders have rejected the allegations of war crimes, with Netanyahu denouncing the accusations as a disgrace. Hamas also condemned Khan’s actions, stating that the request to arrest its leaders equated the victim with the executioner. Israel, not being a member of the court, means that even if warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face immediate prosecution. However, the threat of arrest could impact their ability to travel abroad.
The death toll in Gaza’s war with Israel has been staggering, with thousands killed and wounded on both sides. It remains to be seen when the judges will rule on Khan’s request for arrest warrants.
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