Judges at the International Criminal Court have issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense chief, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This action follows an announcement by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan on May 20, indicating his pursuit of arrest warrants related to the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza.

The ICC clarified that Israel’s acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction was not a prerequisite for these proceedings.

Israel has dismissed the court’s jurisdiction and refutes allegations of war crimes in Gaza. The Israeli government claims to have killed Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike, although Hamas has not confirmed or denied this information.

Netanyahu’s office characterized the ICC’s decision as “anti-Semitic,” asserting that he will “not yield to pressure and will not be deterred” until Israel achieves its military objectives.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated that the ICC has “lost all legitimacy” following the issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. He described the situation as “a dark moment for the International Criminal Court,” claiming it has issued “absurd orders without authority.” There was no immediate response from Gallant.

Hamas expressed support for the warrants against Gallant and Netanyahu, calling on the court to extend accountability to all Israeli leaders. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim told Reuters that the warrants represent a significant step toward justice for the victims. However, he cautioned that it would remain a limited and symbolic gesture unless supported practically by all nations to ensure the enforcement of this decision in accordance with law and justice.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, emphasized that the decision was not political but rather a judicial one that should be respected and acted upon. “The tragedy in Gaza has to stop,” Borrell stated.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized the necessity of implementing the ICC’s decision, asserting that the Palestinians are entitled to justice following what he described as Israel’s “war crimes” in Gaza.

According to Dutch news agency ANP, the Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp indicated that his country is ready to act on the warrants issued.

In the United States, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, criticized the Court, labeling it a “dangerous joke” and urged the U.S. Senate to take action and impose sanctions on this “irresponsible body.”

Officials in Gaza report that Israel’s 13-month military campaign has resulted in approximately 44,000 Palestinian deaths and has displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

This military operation was initiated in response to the Hamas-led attack in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel, with over 250 others reported as hostages, according to Israeli sources.