The International Criminal Court told Newsweek it „does not give a running commentary in relation to ongoing investigations.“
Israel is trying to stop the International Criminal Court (ICC) from issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, and senior military officials, it has been reported.
The ICC—which can charge individuals with war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide—is investigating the attacks by Hamas on October 7 and Israel’s military assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza that followed it.
Israeli media have reported that the court based in the Hague was pursuing the arrest warrants as pressure builds on Netanyahu to halt the offensive launched in the wake of the terror attacks in which Hamas killed at least 1,200 people and took 253 hostages. Health officials in the Gaza Strip have said that more than 34,000 people have been killed in the Israeli bombardment.
The New York Times reported that five Israeli and foreign officials believe that the ICC is preparing warrants which include for leaders from Hamas. Meanwhile, an unnamed official from Israel told NBC that the country was pursuing diplomatic channels to prevent the warrants being issued.
However, one expert told Newsweek that warrants would not be issued unless the case was „bulletproof.“
When asked for comment, the ICC told Newsweek it has „an ongoing independent investigation in relation to the situation in the State of Palestine“ but added it „does not give a running commentary in relation to ongoing investigations nor does the Office respond to speculation in media reports.
