ICC seeks arrest of Israel, Hamas leaders

By accusing the heads of Israel and Hamas of war crimes, the International Criminal Court’s top prosecutor has signalled that both sides will be held accountable for their actions

ARREST WARRANT REQUESTS
Israel: ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan says Israel has right to defend itself but not by “intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury” to civilians

Hamas: Three main leaders stand accused of committing war crimes that include extermination, murder, hostage-taking, rape and torture

Mohammed Deif Commander of Al-Qassam Brigades – armed wing of Hamas

Ismail Haniyeh
Hamas political chief, based in Qatar

Yoav Gallant
Israeli defence minister
  
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister
        
Yahya Sinwar
Hamas leader in Gaza



ICC NEXT STEPS
Pre-trial chamber: Panel of three judges decides whether to issue arrest warrants and allow case to proceed – process typically takes two months

Warrants issued: ICC has no enforcement mechanism and relies on member states to arrest any accused individual who sets foot on their territory
  

Sources: AP, BBC, Reuters Picture: Getty Images, X (Twitter) © GRAPHIC NEWS