The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant on charges of alleged war crimes in Gaza, sparking a strong response from Hamas. 

Ezzat Al-Resheq, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, welcomed the ICC’s decision, stating: “Regardless of the possibility of implementing the ICC’s decision, it has been revealed that international justice is with us and against the Zionist entity.” Al-Resheq emphasized that the decision underscores growing international awareness of the Palestinian cause and exposes the “true terrorist nature of the Israeli occupation.” 

The ICC stated that it found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Galant bear criminal responsibility for war crimes committed during Israel's military actions in Gaza. Specific charges include the use of starvation as a method of war, as well as crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. 

The court’s Pre-Trial Chamber rejected two appeals from Israel regarding the ICC's jurisdiction. Israel had argued that the court lacked authority over its actions, citing Article 19(2) of the ICC Statute. The ICC countered, reaffirming its jurisdiction based on the recognition of Palestine as a state within the territorial scope of the investigation. 

The ICC clarified that its jurisdiction is not contingent on Israel’s acceptance. The investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories began in 2021, following formal notifications to Israel, which chose not to request a postponement of the inquiry. 

The ICC also dismissed Israel’s request for a new notification of the investigation, asserting that the parameters of the inquiry have remained unchanged. The judges ruled that there was no justification to halt the consideration of the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Galant. 

While the ICC decision has been hailed by Hamas and human rights advocates as a step toward accountability, its enforcement remains uncertain, as Israel does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction. Netanyahu and Galant have yet to comment on the ICC's actions. 

This development marks a significant moment in international efforts to address alleged war crimes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the ICC highlighting violations of humanitarian law during the armed conflict. (ILKHA)