ICC judges said there were reasonable grounds that the three men were “criminally responsible” for the crimes allegedly committed “from at least October 8, 2023 until at least May 20, 2024” – the date the Prosecutor applied for an arrest warrant – the Court said in a press release.
“In terms of crime, [Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I] has found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Netanyahu…and Mr. Gallant…are criminally responsible for the following crimes: accomplices commit an act with another person: the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and crimes against humanity such as murder, repression and other inhumane actsICC said.
The arrest warrant came after the ICC rejected Israel’s challenges to the Court’s jurisdiction.
Order against Hamas commander
The arrest warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif also alleges crimes against humanity and war crimes, although Israel says he was killed in an airstrike in Gaza in July.
“The Department has found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Deif … was responsible crimes against humanity, murder; annihilation; torture; and rape and other forms of sexual violence; as well as the war crimes of murder, cruelty, and torture; take hostages; insults personal dignity; and rape and other forms of sexual violence.”
The investigation continues
The ICC said it was continuing to gather information regarding Mr Deif’s reported death. As of November 15, his condition remains unknown.
“The prosecution also noted that it will continue to investigate crimes during the ongoing conflict and it is expected that further applications for arrest warrants will be filed.,” the release added.
Initially, the Public Prosecution Service applied for arrest warrants for two other senior leaders of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. However, these were withdrawn following confirmation of their deaths.
‘For the sake of victims and their families’
The three arrest warrants were classified as “secret” to protect witnesses and protect the conduct of the investigation.
However, the Chamber decided to release the information due to the continuing war and possible ongoing violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially the fact that hostages continue to be held in Gaza.
“The Chamber believes that knowledge of the existence of this order is also in the interest of victims and their families.”, the Court said.
Prosecutors called for the focus to be on the victim
In a statement released later on Thursday, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that “our collective thoughts and focus should be with the victims of international crimes in Israel and the State of Palestine. ”
He said in meetings with the victims and families of the hostages taken on October 7 “and with the victims in Gaza who have lost so many loved ones, I have emphasized that the rule of law is always available to them.” everyone, that its role is to protect the rights of everyone.” People.”
He emphasized that the arrest warrants were issued in May following an independent investigation and on the basis of objective, verifiable evidence, reviewed through the forensic process.
“I call on all Member States to fulfill their commitments to the Rome Statute by respecting and complying with these judicial orders“, Mr. Khan said. “We count on their cooperation in this situation, as well as with all other situations under the Court’s jurisdiction. We also welcome cooperation with non-state actors in working towards accountability and upholding international law.”
Introducing ICC
the International Criminal Court (ICC) is not a member of the United Nations but has a cooperative and complementary relationship.
The ICC is an independent judicial body established by Rome Statutepassed in 1998 and effective in 2002.
It was established to tackle serious international crimes and ensure accountability when national justice systems are unable or unwilling to act.
