**ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders**
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israel’s former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Galant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.
These arrest warrants were issued after a pre-trial court rejected Israel’s challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction. The court found that there were “reasonable grounds to believe” that these three men were responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas.
**Conflict and Casualties**
The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel then launched a military offensive to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, resulting in at least 44,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
**Allegations Against Leaders**
The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, accused Netanyahu and Galant of deliberate attacks on civilians and using starvation as an instrument of war. They also faced charges of murder and extermination. On the other hand, Deif was accused by Khan of crimes including the extermination of human beings, murder, rape, and torture.
**Decision Now in Hands of ICC Members**
The decision to enforce these arrest warrants is now in the hands of the 124 members of the ICC, excluding Israel and its ally the United States. This will be a significant development, as it could set a precedent for holding leaders accountable for their actions during conflicts.
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