Israeli authorities are reportedly using diplomatic channels to prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and other military officials. These officials are potentially facing charges related to war crimes. There are concerns that the Hague-based court could issue the warrants in the coming week.
Three years ago, the International Criminal Court (ICC) initiated an investigation into potential war crimes committed during the 2014 Israel-Hamas conflict by both Israeli personnel and Palestinian militants.
According to an Israeli government source cited by The Times of Israel, the United States is also involved in a final diplomatic push to prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from proceeding with the issuance of arrest warrants. These warrants are related to the investigation into potential war crimes committed during the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict by Israeli officials and Palestinian militants.
While in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Hamas to consider Israel’s recent “exceptionally generous” proposal for a potential truce. He emphasized the importance of securing the release of hostages during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the besieged enclave.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) informed NBC News that it is currently conducting an independent investigation related to the situation in the State of Palestine. However, with regard to the arrest warrants, the ICC declined to provide any further comments at this time.
On Sunday evening, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, issued warnings to the nation’s embassies overseas, cautioning them to be ready for a significant antisemitic reaction in the event that the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes action.
During a special meeting at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Hamas has received an exceptionally generous proposal from Israel. The current obstacle preventing a ceasefire for the people of Gaza is solely Hamas, and they must make a swift decision. Blinken expressed hope that they will choose wisely.
According to a source cited by The Times of Israel, the proposed deal involves releasing 40 of the approximately 130 hostages still held in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian security prisoners currently incarcerated in Israel. Additionally, Israel has offered a second phase of the truce, characterized by a ‘period of sustained calm,’ as a compromise in response to Hamas’ demand for a permanent ceasefire.
A senior Hamas official informed Reuters that the ceasefire negotiations in Cairo will involve discussions between the militant group’s delegation and mediators from Qatar and Egypt. The official stated that Hamas has raised questions and expressed interest in understanding Israel’s response to the proposal conveyed by the mediators.
Amid mounting pressure on Israel’s military due to its ongoing offensive in Gaza, a spokesperson from the US State Department declared on Monday that they have identified five units within the Israeli forces responsible for severe human rights violations. Notably, this marks the first time the US has drawn such a conclusion regarding Israeli forces.
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