Leading ICC Prosecutor Demands 'Urgent' Decision Regarding Netanyahu Arrest Warrant
The chief prosecutor of the ICC has criticized the slow progress in the issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Sinwar. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Karim Khan has requested that the court determine whether to issue arrest warrants for both the Israeli Prime Minister and the leader of Hamas.
The chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has urged the judges to "urgently render its decisions" regarding the arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas.
In May, Khan submitted a request for warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas figures Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif.
Prosecutors have contended that these individuals were involved in "war crimes and crimes against humanity" occurring in both Israel and Gaza.
Since then, the court has authorized 18 countries—including the US, Germany, and South Africa—as well as many organizations and individuals, to share their perspectives on the ICC’s jurisdiction. This consideration arises from the stipulation that "Palestine cannot exercise criminal jurisdiction over Israeli nationals (under) the Oslo Accords."
In a 49-page document, Khan urged the judges to speed up the proceedings, emphasizing that "any unjustified delay in these proceedings detrimentally affects the rights of victims."
“It is settled law that the Court has jurisdiction in this situation,” he stated in his legal brief, as quoted by the Associated Press. He contended that claims suggesting the court could not pursue the case were "without merit," and that any party making such assertions "misunderstands basic concepts of jurisdiction under international law."
Both Israel and Hamas have rejected the allegations of war crimes, with Netanyahu calling the accusation "a disgrace." Meanwhile, Hamas condemned Khan’s request for an arrest warrant, arguing that it equates "the victim with the executioner."
Since Israel is not a member of the ICC, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face immediate prosecution risks; however, an active arrest warrant could impose significant travel restrictions on them.
Haniyeh was reportedly assassinated last month in Tehran, with Sinwar chosen to succeed him. While Israel claimed that Deif had been killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza in July, Hamas maintains that Deif is still alive.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since warfare erupted in October, initiated by a surprise attack from Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities. The militant group also captured more than 200 hostages, many of whom have been released through negotiations or rescued by the Israeli Army.
In December, South Africa lodged a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which operates independently of the ICC. Israel has dismissed these allegations and has accused Hamas of utilizing civilians in Gaza as human shields.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
The chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has urged the judges to "urgently render its decisions" regarding the arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas.
In May, Khan submitted a request for warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas figures Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif.
Prosecutors have contended that these individuals were involved in "war crimes and crimes against humanity" occurring in both Israel and Gaza.
Since then, the court has authorized 18 countries—including the US, Germany, and South Africa—as well as many organizations and individuals, to share their perspectives on the ICC’s jurisdiction. This consideration arises from the stipulation that "Palestine cannot exercise criminal jurisdiction over Israeli nationals (under) the Oslo Accords."
In a 49-page document, Khan urged the judges to speed up the proceedings, emphasizing that "any unjustified delay in these proceedings detrimentally affects the rights of victims."
“It is settled law that the Court has jurisdiction in this situation,” he stated in his legal brief, as quoted by the Associated Press. He contended that claims suggesting the court could not pursue the case were "without merit," and that any party making such assertions "misunderstands basic concepts of jurisdiction under international law."
Both Israel and Hamas have rejected the allegations of war crimes, with Netanyahu calling the accusation "a disgrace." Meanwhile, Hamas condemned Khan’s request for an arrest warrant, arguing that it equates "the victim with the executioner."
Since Israel is not a member of the ICC, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face immediate prosecution risks; however, an active arrest warrant could impose significant travel restrictions on them.
Haniyeh was reportedly assassinated last month in Tehran, with Sinwar chosen to succeed him. While Israel claimed that Deif had been killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza in July, Hamas maintains that Deif is still alive.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since warfare erupted in October, initiated by a surprise attack from Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities. The militant group also captured more than 200 hostages, many of whom have been released through negotiations or rescued by the Israeli Army.
In December, South Africa lodged a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which operates independently of the ICC. Israel has dismissed these allegations and has accused Hamas of utilizing civilians in Gaza as human shields.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
