ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Muhammad Deif for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The ICC relies on member states to enforce these warrants. The ICC, based in The Hague, was established to address serious international crimes. It has no police force and depends on countries to arrest individuals under its warrants. Israel is not a member of the ICC and contests the allegations against its leaders. While the warrants are significant, enforcement is uncertain. Netanyahu and Gallant can travel to many countries without fear of arrest, as several are not ICC members. If they do not appear before the ICC, legal proceedings cannot commence.