International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has urged judges to expedite their decision on his May request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders.
Khan cited ongoing war crimes against civilians in Gaza and the deteriorating humanitarian situation as reasons for urgency.
In a recent interview with a Japanese newspaper, Karim Khan stated that ICC officials are receiving threats from Israel supporters and pressure from the US.
The prosecutor’s request originally included Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, but his name has been removed following reports of his assassination in Iran. Mohammed Deif’s name remains, pending confirmation of his alleged death.
Israeli sources suggest a decision could come before the end of the month. If arrest warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant may face restrictions on international travel, particularly to ICC member states.
Israel has reportedly urged the U.S. to impose sanctions on Khan and the ICC if warrants are issued. This has raised concerns among U.S. security officials, who support the court’s actions against Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Separately, Israel is attempting to pressure South Africa to withdraw its complaint of genocide at the International Court of Justice, fearing new orders that could impede its military operations in Gaza.
(information from in.gr)
