ICC Urges Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders in Gaza Conflict

– The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has urged judges to swiftly decide on his request for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In a detailed 49-page legal brief, Khan asserted that the ICC has jurisdiction over the situation, despite Israel not being a member of the court. His request, initially filed in May, includes allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders, two of whom have since been killed. Khan's call for urgency comes amid a backdrop of legal debates from various countries, academics, and rights groups regarding the ICC's authority to issue such warrants. The prosecutor's accusations stem from the violent escalation that began on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals. The subsequent Israeli military response has reportedly led to over 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to local health officials. Netanyahu has publicly dismissed the allegations as a "disgrace," framing them as an assault on Israel's military efforts. He remains committed to continuing the military campaign against Hamas. While the issuance of arrest warrants would not pose an immediate legal threat to Netanyahu and Gallant, it could complicate their international travel plans. Legal discussions surrounding the ICC's jurisdiction have also referenced the 1993 Oslo Accords, which stipulate that Palestinians do not have criminal jurisdiction over Israeli nationals, raising questions about the court's authority in this context.