The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders—Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, and Ismail Haniyeh. This bold move has split opinions among Western countries, with the US vocally criticizing the ICC. However, several international human rights organizations have praised the prosecutor’s actions.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict in Gaza has intensified, with numerous casualties reported. In central Gaza, several people have been killed, and at least 18 died in the northern areas of Jabalia and Beit Lahiya. The UN reports that 900,000 people, making up 40% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced in the past two weeks.
Hospital Tragedies Amid Fuel Shortage
A premature baby died at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya after an oxygen machine failed due to a severe fuel shortage. This shortage, affecting electricity supplies to hospital incubators, has led to the deaths of several premature infants during Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
Israeli Raids in the West Bank
Verified videos show Israeli soldiers conducting raids in the West Bank towns of Tuqu (near Bethlehem) and Sinjil (near Ramallah). The footage reveals soldiers arresting Palestinians and ransacking homes and shops.
International Reactions
Switzerland: At a UN Security Council meeting, Swiss envoy Pascale Baeriswyl emphasized the need to respect the ICC’s independence, expressing concern over potential war crimes.
France: The French Foreign Ministry supported the ICC and its fight against impunity, though it stopped short of explicitly backing the arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. France reiterated its call for a lasting political solution to end the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
