ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders over War Crimes in Gaza and Lebanon

The Hague, Netherlands - The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant today, charging them with war crimes committed during conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to the ICC, the warrants are based on allegations that Netanyahu and Gallant committed crimes against humanity and war crimes from October 8, 2023, until May 20, 2024. The court has ordered their arrest and is calling for their extradition to face trial.

In a separate development, Hamas's military head Mohammed Deif has also been charged with war crimes by the ICC and is on his way to be arrested. No further information could be obtained regarding Deif's current location.

The ICC Chamber's decision marks a significant escalation in the global response to alleged Israeli war crimes in the region. Critics have long accused Israel of committing atrocities against Palestinian civilians, particularly during the conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Reacting to the news, Netanyahu's office and the Israeli government expressed outrage and disclaimed the ICC's authority. "We do not recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court to prosecute our leaders," a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the United States - one of Israel's closest allies - declined immediate comment on the matter.

The move is expected to further strain already tense relations between the US and several European countries that have expressed support for ICC investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes.

This latest development has sparked widespread reaction from human rights groups and Palestinian advocacy organizations who are calling for accountability for alleged perpetrators of these alleged crimes.