ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over Gaza conflict
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders, accusing them of war crimes related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This marks a significant escalation in international legal actions against both Israeli and Hamas officials. The warrants claim that Netanyahu and Gallant intentionally deprived Gaza's civilian population of essential supplies, while Hamas leaders are accused of crimes linked to the October 2023 attacks on Israel. The ICC's decision could complicate travel for the Israeli leaders, although Israel and the U.S. are not members of the court. Despite the warrants, practical enforcement may be limited, as the ICC relies on member states for arrests. The court has no police force, and recent cases show that some leaders, like Russian President Vladimir Putin, can still travel without facing arrest.