No retreat in The Hague: ICC keeps arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently rejected Israel’s request to stop investigations into alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict, allowing prosecutors to continue their long-running probe.

In its ruling, the Court dismissed Israel’s challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction and reaffirmed that investigations into actions carried out during the Gaza war will continue.
This decision also means that the arrest warrants issued last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former War Minister Yoav Gallant remain in force.

Israel, which is not a member of the Hague-based court, strongly criticized the ruling.

The ICC’s investigation focuses on violations of international humanitarian law during Israel’s war on Gaza, where widespread destruction and civilian casualties have been extensively reported.

A ceasefire agreement came into effect on October 10, reducing hostilities, but it has had little impact on improving Gaza’s dire humanitarian conditions.

Aid organizations warn that shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies remain severe despite the halt in fighting.

Human rights organizations welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying it reinforces the principle that no party is above international law and that accountability for victims of conflict is essential.

Palestinians also praised the ruling, describing it as an important step toward justice.

The latest decision addresses only one of several legal challenges Israel has raised against the ICC’s investigations and arrest warrants. The Court has not yet set a timetable for ruling on the remaining objections, indicating that legal battles over the case are likely to continue.

On November 21, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. The warrants were issued based on evidence gathered during investigations into the situation in Palestine, particularly the war in Gaza.

The allegations relate to the period from at least October 8, 2023 to at least May 20, 2024 and include the following:

War crimes

• Using starvation as a method of warfare; deliberately depriving the civilian population of Gaza of food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity, leading to civilian deaths, including children, due to malnutrition and dehydration.
• Intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population.

Crimes against humanity

• Murder
• Persecution
• Other inhumane acts, including the creation of conditions intended to bring about the destruction of part of Gaza’s civilian population.