---
title: "ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel’s Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader"
description: "Judges at the International Criminal Court have issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "NEWS FLASH"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-11-21-icc-arrest-warrants-for-israels-netanyahu-gallant-hamas-leader/"
published: "2024-11-21T14:45:10"
updated: "2024-11-21T15:04:58"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 154
---

# ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel’s Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader

> Judges at the International Criminal Court have issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

By Reuters · Published 21 November 2024, 16:45 SAST · Updated 21 November 2024, 17:04 SAST

## Key points
- Judges at the International Criminal Court have issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- ICC prosecutor Karim Khan seeks arrest warrants related to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel's military response.
- The ICC asserts that Israel's acceptance of its jurisdiction is unnecessary for proceedings.
- Israel rejects the Hague court's authority and denies allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
- Claims of the death of Hamas leader Al-Masri remain unconfirmed by the group, despite Israel's assertions.

## Content

The move comes after ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced on 20 May 2024 that he was seeking arrest warrants for alleged crimes connected to the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas and the Israeli military response in Gaza.

The ICC said Israel’s acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction was not required.

![Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant during a press conference, Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel. 28 October 2023.  (Photo: Abir Sultan/Pool via Reuters/File Photo)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/gjdZJZLLJQJsHyqgYsW7t0efvns=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Peter-Tori-ICC-warrants-MAIN.jpg)

*Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant during a press conference at Kirya military base in Tel Aviv on 28 October 2023. (Photo: Abir Sultan / Pool via Reuters / File Photo)*

**Read more:**[Israel-Palestine War](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/middle-east-crisis-news-hub/)

**Read more:**[Middle East crisis](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag/middle-east-crisis/)

Israel has rejected the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and denies war crimes in Gaza. Israel has said it killed Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in an air strike, but Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied this. **Reuters/DM**

*(Reporting by Toby Sterling and Charlotte Van Campenhout; Writing by Stephanie van den Berg, Makini BriceEditing by Peter Graff).*