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 and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict and the October 7 attacks. This development makes Netanyahu and others internationally wanted suspects, complicating cease-fire negotiations. However, practical enforcement 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 it was not given a chance to investigate the allegations. The ICC relies on member states for enforcement, and the suspects are unlikely to appear in court soon.