ICC Issues War-Crimes Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu, Gallant Over Gaza War
Court alleges use of starvation as a weapon and direction of attacks against civilians
By Omar Abdel-Baqui The Wall Street Journal November 21, 2024
The International Criminal Court said Thursday it has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging they committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the offensive in the Gaza Strip, including the use of starvation as a weapon and directing attacks against civilians.
Israel invaded Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack led by Hamas that left 1,200 people dead and more than 240 taken hostage. It has been criticized heavily for the level of destruction, shortages of food and a human toll of around 44,000, according to Palestinian health authorities, who don’t say how many were combatants.
The court’s prosecutor sought the warrants in May, drawing praise from many countries but sparking outrage from the Biden administration and much of the U.S. Congress. Several Hamas leaders were also named in the application for warrants but they have been killed by Israel.
—Updates to follow as news develops.
Write to Omar Abdel-Baqui at omar.abdel-baqui@wsj.com