Israel appeals to suspend ICC warrant against PM Netanyahu

Israel asked International Criminal Court on Wednesday to suspend the warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant as he appeals the arrest warrants for the prime minister and his former defense minister.
Last week, the ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which began with an October 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian terrorist group.
“The State of Israel challenges the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the legality of the arrest warrant issued,” Netanyahu’s office said, according to news agency AFP.
“If the court rejects this request, it will further demonstrate to Israel’s friends in the United States and around the world how biased the International Criminal Court is against the State of Israel,” he added.
What are the charges?
The ICC’s ruling outlines several key charges against Netanyahu and Gallant, alleging that there are reasonable grounds for them to bear criminal responsibility for the following:
War crime of starvation: Both leaders are accused of willfully depriving the civilian population of Gaza of essential supplies including food, water, medicine, fuel and electricity since at least 8 October 2023. These actions reportedly led to widespread malnutrition and dehydration, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leading to civilian deaths.
Crimes against humanity: The court accused Netanyahu and Gallant of committing crimes against humanity, including:
– Killing: Deprivation of vital resources has reportedly resulted in death, especially among children, due to malnutrition and dehydration.
– Persecution: The embargo of humanitarian aid is seen as a politically motivated attack on Gaza’s civilian population, leading to systematic suffering.
– Other inhumane acts: Lack of medical supplies, including anesthetics, forced doctors to operate on patients, including children, without proper anesthesia, resulting in extreme pain and suffering.