On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber announced the issuance of arrest warrants [3] for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants cite allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the civilian population in Gaza. On the same day, the Chamber also issued an arrest warrant [4] for Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, commonly known as "Deif," the commander of Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades, for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the October 7, 2023, attacks and subsequent events.

The Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant, during the period between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024, intentionally deprived Gaza’s civilians of food, water, medicine, and fuel. These actions reportedly obstructed humanitarian aid efforts, severely disrupted access to essential goods, and led to widespread suffering, including deaths from malnutrition and dehydration. The allegations also include the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity for inhumane acts and persecution. The Chamber determined that medical supplies were deliberately blocked, forcing doctors to perform surgeries without proper anesthesia, causing extreme pain and suffering.

Similarly, Deif faces accusations of bearing responsibility for widespread atrocities, including murder, torture, hostage-taking, and sexual violence, committed during and after the October 7 operation. The ICC noted that these crimes formed part of a coordinated attack on civilians. While Deif’s reported death remains unconfirmed, the Chamber issued the warrant to ensure accountability and to address ongoing conduct such as the holding of hostages.

These findings are part of the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine, which began in March 2021 after the Court affirmed its jurisdiction [5] over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Multiple state referrals have bolstered the investigation, underscoring the international community’s concern over the prolonged humanitarian crisis and ongoing atrocities.