ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas Leader Mohammed Deif Over War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Thursday that it has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas’s military chief Mohammed Deif.

“The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr. Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024, the day the Prosecution filed the applications for warrants of arrest,” the Hague-based ICC stated.

The court also confirmed that a warrant had been issued for Mohammed Deif, Hamas’s military leader.

Initially classified as “secret” to protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations, the warrants were partially disclosed to inform victims and families and highlight that similar conduct may still be occurring.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan had requested these warrants in May, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Netanyahu dismissed Gallant as Defense Minister on November 5.

Khan also sought warrants for other senior Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Deif, but dropped the application for Ismail Haniyeh following Haniyeh’s death in Tehran on July 31, according to an earlier ICC statement.

Israel claims Deif was killed in a strike on July 13 in southern Gaza, but Hamas denies his death.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which was the deadliest in Israeli history. This cross-border assault resulted in over 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, based on Israeli figures. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports that over 44,000 people have died and more than 104,000 have been injured during the 13-month conflict.