ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over Gaza conflict
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict and the October 2023 attacks. This development makes Netanyahu and the others internationally wanted suspects, potentially complicating cease-fire negotiations. However, the practical impact may be limited since Israel and the U.S. are not ICC members, and some Hamas officials have been killed in the conflict. Israel's Foreign Ministry has challenged the ICC's jurisdiction, arguing that the court did not allow Israel to investigate the allegations first. The ICC relies on member states for enforcement, and the suspects are unlikely to appear in court soon.