Submitting Order To Arrest Senior Leaders Of Hamas And Israel, ICC Prosecutor: No One Is Immune

JAKARTA - Head of prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Khan said, "no one is above the law", after he requested an arrest warrant against senior leaders Hamas and the Israeli government, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Those targeted by Khan were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with the attack on Gaza. As well as three senior Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Def (the leader of the Al Qassem Brigade), and Ismail Haniyeh on the October 7 attacks to the south of Israel.

"No one is above the law," Khan told CNN Christiane Amanpour, as quoted May 21, when asked about Israel's previous comments.

Last month, Israel voiced concern about the possibility of the ICC issuing an arrest warrant against their officials regarding the war in Gaza.

Quoting Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month said the ICC's decision would not affect Israel's actions, but would set a bad precedent. Israeli Foreign Minister Katz said Israel would not bow its head or feel afraid and would continue to struggle.

Prosecutor Khan said if Israel disagrees with the ICC, "they are free, even though they object to jurisdictions, to pose challenges before court judges and that's what I suggest they do."

Israel is not a member of the court and does not recognize its jurisdiction. However, the Palestinian territories were accepted with member state status in 2015.

In October 2023, Chief Prosecutor ICC Karim Khan confirmed the court had jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed by Hamas fighters in Israel and by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.