ICC issues arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leaders

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Organisation

Context:

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for several individuals, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and key Hamas officials.
These warrants are related to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from their roles in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Details of the charges:

The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, accusing them of intentionally depriving the civilian population in Gaza of basic survival necessities, such as food, water, and medical supplies, during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The ICC issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas leader, for his role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which led to Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza.

International Criminal Court (ICC):

The International Criminal Court (ICC), located in The Hague, is the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
It is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, entered into force on July 1, 2002.
It does not have the capacity to arrest suspects and depends on member states for their cooperation.

Composition and voting power:

The Court’s management oversight and legislative body, the Assembly of States Parties, consists of one representative from each state party.
Each state party has one vote and every effort is taken to reach decisions by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by vote.
The Assembly is presided over by a president and two vice-presidents, who are elected by the members to three-year terms.