ICC seeks warrant for Israeli, Hamas leaders

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in front of the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California. Pic/AFP

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Monday he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during the seven-month war.

Karim Khan said that he believes Netanyahu, his defence minister Yoav Gallant and three Hamas leaders - Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh - are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Speaking of the Israeli actions, Khan said in a statement that "the effects of the use of starvation as a method of warfare, together with other attacks and collective punishment against the civilian population of Gaza are acute, visible and widely known. They include malnutrition, dehydration, profound suffering and an increasing number of deaths among the Palestinian population, including babies, other children, and women."

Israel, Hamas react

Israel's foreign minister said the call was "a historic disgrace that would be remembered forever". Israel Katz said he would form a special committee to fight back against such action.

In a statement, Hamas accused the prosecutor of trying to "equate the victim with the executioner".

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