France and Belgium issued statements in support of the top war crimes court and its chief prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for leaders of Israel and Hamas, despite harsh condemnation from Israel and the United States.
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, leveled accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders — Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. While Netanyahu and Gallant are not facing immediate arrest, the announcement Monday further isolated Israel over the conflict in Gaza.
Israeli forces conducted a raid on a militant stronghold in the occupied West Bank, resulting in at least seven deaths and multiple injuries, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry. This raid in Jenin is part of escalating violence in the Palestinian territory.
Following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, which led to civilian casualties and abductions, Israel initiated its offensive, resulting in thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement in Gaza.
Other key developments include:
— Iran’s president and foreign minister perish in a helicopter crash.
— ICC prosecutor requests arrest warrant for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Netanyahu.
— Images capture Palestinian residents evacuating Rafah following Israeli evacuation orders.
— Israeli forces kill a minimum of seven Palestinians in a West Bank raid.
For comprehensive coverage of the Gaza conflict, visit https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Recent updates include:
ISRAEL’S GALLANT DISAPPROVES OF ICC PROSECUTOR’S ARREST WARRANT REQUEST
JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister criticized the international court prosecutor’s call for arrest warrants against him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hamas leaders, denouncing the comparison between the militant group and Israel as “despicable and disgusting.” Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and rejection of the International Criminal Court’s authority, especially in their effort to ensure the release of hostages in Gaza.
“Prosecutor Karim Khan’s attempt to deny the state of Israel the right to defend herself and ensure the release of the hostages held in Gaza, must be rejected explicitly,” he said.
Khan’s accusations linked Netanyahu, Gallant, and the Hamas leaders — Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh — to war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Israel. While no immediate arrests are imminent, the symbolic blow served to deepen Israel’s international isolation over the conflict.
ISRAELI FORCES KILL 7 IN RAID ON WEST BANK MILITANT STRONGHOLD, PALESTINIAN HEALTH MINISTRY REPORTS
JERUSALEM — A Palestinian Health Ministry report confirmed that Israeli forces attacked a militant stronghold in the West Bank, resulting in at least seven deaths and multiple injuries.
Dr. Ossayed Kamal Jabareen, a surgery specialist at Jenin Governmental Hospital, was among those killed in the ongoing raid. The surge in violence in the Palestinian territory has witnessed nearly 500 Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank, as part of Israeli efforts to combat militancy. There has also been an increase in Palestinian attacks on Israelis.
Israel has detained over 3,000 Palestinians since the conflict began.
FRANCE AND BELGIUM BACK WAR CRIMES COURT’S REQUEST FOR ARREST WARRANTS
France and Belgium voiced support for the International Criminal Court and its chief prosecutor’s demand for arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
French and Belgian statements endorsing the court’s actions against Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leaders underscored their commitment to justice against crimes in Gaza. Israel, however, criticized the move as disgraceful and antisemitic, with U.S. President Joe Biden siding with Israel’s right to self-defense.
SRI LANKA OBSERVES NATIONAL MOURNING FOR IRANIAN PRESIDENT
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The Sri Lankan government declared a national day of mourning following the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. State institutions were instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast in his honor.
Raisi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April for the inauguration of a significant hydropower and irrigation project exemplified the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The project, which faced delays due to sanctions and technical challenges, held immense importance for both countries.
Iranian President Raisi’s demise marked a significant loss in international relations.
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