ICC

2024 - 5 - 21

ICC Drama Unfolds: Arrest Warrants for Israeli Officials and Hamas Leaders

Amal Clooney - Hamas - ICC - Israel - Karim Khan

The ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas figures, causing political tension and international reactions.

In a bold move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has stirred up controversy by applying for arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders – Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Diab. This development has sparked a split within the EU, with France voicing support for the ICC's pursuit of justice and its stance against impunity.

France's backing of the ICC's independence and its commitment to fighting impunity comes after the court's prosecutor initiated the process to seek arrest warrants. The ICC prosecutor's application accuses the Israeli leaders of war crimes, leading to strong denials and criticisms from both Israeli and Hamas representatives.

The Israeli defense establishment was caught off guard upon learning of the ICC's warrant application against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others. The prosecutor, Karim Khan, detailed allegations of deliberate harm to Gaza residents and crimes against humanity in his application.

President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson have condemned the ICC's actions, highlighting the diplomatic challenges arising from the prosecutor's move against Netanyahu. As tensions rise, Egypt's former Ambassador to Israel voiced defense of Hamas leaders against what he considers an unfair decision by the ICC.

***Did you know?*** The ICC's pursuit of arrest warrants for key figures in the Israeli government and Hamas leadership marks a significant escalation in the conflict. This move has not only caught global attention but also raised concerns about the implications for international relations and justice.

***Fun Fact:*** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of the ICC's attempt to seek his arrest adds a personal dimension to the unfolding drama, spotlighting the individuals directly involved in the legal battle.

Government welcomes ICC arrest warrants application (South African Government News Agency)

The application for arrest warrants is for the Prime Minister, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and three leaders of Hamas – Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

EU split over ICC's Israel and Hamas arrest warrants bid (Financial Times)

France voices support for international court and its 'fight against impunity'

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

France backs 'independence' of ICC after prosecutor seeks arrest ... (FRANCE 24)

France backs the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the 'fight against impunity', its foreign ministry said after the court's prosecutor sought an ...

Explainer: What next after ICC prosecutor seeks warrants in Israel ... (The East African)

Israeli and Hamas leaders have dismissed allegations of committing war crimes, and representatives of both sides criticised Khan's decision.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBS News"

ICC prosecutor applies for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister ... (CBS News)

The International Criminal Court's top prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister, defense minister and 3 top Hamas leaders.

Israeli defense establishment learned of ICC warrant application ... (Jewish Insider)

Israel's defense establishment learned of the International Criminal Court's effort to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

Full text of ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's application for arrest warrants (The Times of Israel)

International Criminal Court attorney accuses Netanyahu, Gallant of purposely starving Gazans, 'murder as a crime against humanity' and more; ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

FirstFT: ICC's move against Netanyahu puts Biden in diplomatic and ... (Financial Times)

President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's statement that he was seeking warrants over alleged war ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Middle East Monitor"

Ex-Egypt envoy to Israel: ICC decision against Hamas leaders 'unfair' (Middle East Monitor)

Egypt's former Ambassador to Israel, Atef Salem El-Ahl, yesterday defended Hamas's criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s decision to request ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Amnesty International"

Israel/OPT: ICC applications for arrest warrants for Netanyahu ... (Amnesty International)

Responding to the application for arrest warrants by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "News24"

Explainer: What happens after ICC prosecutor seeks warrants in ... (News24)

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor, Karim Khan, has requested the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

ICC: Netanyahu angrily rejects move to seek his arrest (BBC News)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has angrily condemned the International Criminal Court's prosecutor for seeking arrest warrants for him alongside ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Who are the experts backing ICC warrants against Israel, Hamas ... (Aljazeera.com)

Amal Clooney was on the panel advising the ICC prosecutor who applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Hamas leaders.

International Criminal Court – Prosecutor applies to ICC for arrest ... (France Diplomatie)

On 20 May 2024, the International Criminal Court Prosecutor, Karim Khan, applied for arrest warrants to be issued against three Hamas leaders and the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Which leaders are on the ICC's most wanted list? (Reuters)

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Conversation US"

ICC's milestone bid for Netanyahu arrest warrant will have wide ... (The Conversation US)

The ICC is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders that are suspected of committing war crimes in Gaza.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Israel calls on 'civilised nations' to boycott ICC arrest warrants ... (The Guardian)

Government urges 'free world' to oppose warrants against Netanyahu and defence minister for war crimes in Gaza.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Business Day"

ICC move may increase pressure on Netanyahu (Business Day)

A future arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could lead to “pressure” by Israel's Western allies and Netanyahu's own government for ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Biden administration signals it will support push to sanction ICC (Financial Times)

Move to censure International Criminal Court a sign of US anger over request for arrest warrants for Israeli ministers.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

The Guardian view on the ICC: undermining this court undermines ... (The Guardian)

Editorial: The US and others have criticised the chief prosecutor for seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The ICC needs support.

Understanding the ICC Prosecutor's Request for Arrest Warrants (Lawfare)

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. What do these requests mean?

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Vox"

Why ICC arrest warrants matter, even if Israel and Hamas leaders ... (Vox)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a joint meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (not pictured), in Jerusalem on April 17, 2024.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

ICC prosecutor says no evidence Israeli courts genuinely probing ... (The Times of Israel)

The office of International Criminal Court's (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said Tuesday he had recommended issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

US hints at support for sanctions over ICC warrants on Israel (BBC News)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken said he was "committed" to working with Congress to respond to the court.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Chatham House"

The ICC Prosecutor's applications for arrest warrants explained (Chatham House)

The Court is yet to decide whether to issue the warrants against Hamas and Israeli leaders.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Blinken willing to work with Congress on potential sanctions against ... (The Guardian)

Republicans seek help from secretary of state after prosecutor Karim Khan requests arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

The ICC prosecutor taking on Israel and Hamas leaders (Financial Times)

Karim Khan's time as prosecutor at the International Criminal Court looked set to be defined by his probe into Russia's war in Ukraine.

Explore the last week