Israel and Hamas reject ICC's war crimes allegations
Netanyahu and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have strongly condemned the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants for their leaders over alleged war crimes committed during the recent conflict. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's request targets Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from Israel, as well as Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.
Israel has strongly criticized the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The Israeli government labeled the allegations as a «historical disgrace,» according to a report by AFP.
On the other side, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has also condemned the ICC's move. Hamas stated that it «strongly condemns» the demand targeting its leaders.
What are the justifications for the ICC arrest warrant?
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, said in a statement that he was seeking warrants against the Israeli leaders for crimes including «willful killing», «extermination and/or murder», and «starvation».
He said Israel had committed «crimes against humanity» during the war, started by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack, as part «of a widespread and systematic attack against the Palestinian civilian population».
Khan also said the leaders of Hamas, including Qatar-based Ismail Haniyeh and Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar, «bear criminal responsibility» for actions committed during the October
