The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Israel’s actions in the West Bank and Gaza independently from other cases at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), such as South Africa’s accusation of Israeli genocide in Gaza, international media reported.
Since October, 7, 2023, nearly 35,000 Palestinians were killed by Israel in Gaza. Most of the victims are women and children.
According to Israeli media reports, the government has been informed by legal officials that the ICC is considering issuing arrest warrants for senior officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
AP reported that the ICC is currently looking into Israel’s activities in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. This investigation at the ICC is distinct from other cases brought against Israel at the International Court of Justice, including one lodged by South Africa alleging genocide in Gaza.
In addition to Netanyahu, the ICC’s inquiry could lead to arrest warrants for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Last week, Netanyahu strongly criticised the ICC investigations, calling them outrageous and warning that they would establish a dangerous precedent.
An official from Hamas stated that a delegation from the group would discuss a ceasefire proposal put forward by Israel during a visit to Cairo on Monday. Egyptian state media reported that an Israeli delegation is also expected in the city on the same day.
Efforts to revive stalled ceasefire negotiations have intensified recently in an attempt to prevent a threatened Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, a southern city where nearly half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern, stating, “A small strike could force everyone to leave Palestine, leading to the greatest catastrophe in Palestinian history.”
