Israel's military has pushed deep into the heart of Rafah entering new neighbourhoods and intensifying their fight against Hamas. Ahead of the International Court ruling on the operation, the Israeli Army says that troops are continuing their operational activity in specific areas of Rafah.

Israel war: Israel pushes deep inside Gaza's North & South

The International Court of Justice, ICJ, will rule on South Africa's requests to order a halt to Israel's Rafah offensive in Gaza, after South Africa petitioned the ICJ for emergency measures asking Israel to seek its military operations in Gaza strip.

Israel War: Will ICJ Israel to halt Rafah assault?

The International Court of Justice - ICJ - is all set to rule whether it should order Israel to implement a ceasefire in Gaza but the Israeli Army is not waiting for it has intesified its assault on Gaza's Rafah.

Israel war: Clashes break out between protesters & police at UCLA in US

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Russia advances in Donetsk region - Taiwan: Day 2 of China's war games - Israel defiant in Gaza ahead of ICJ ruling - Vietnam: 14 killed in apartment fire - Biden: Kenya to become non-NATO ally - Japan's inflation slows further

Vietnam: 14 killed in apartment fire | Japan's inflation slows further

The leaders of Norway and Spain said that their nations would recognise Palestine as a state next week. Watch to know more.

Israel furious over Palestine's recognition by Poland, Ireland, Spain & Norway

Israel on Thursday (May 23) warned that its ties with countries recognising a Palestinian state will face "serious consequences". This comes as Ireland, Norway and Spain prepare to recognise it from next week.&nbsp;

"There will be additional serious consequences for relations with their countries following the decision they made," said Jacob Blitstein, a top official, in a statement released by Israel's foreign ministry.

<h2>Recognition 'does not promote peace'&nbsp;</h2>

Blitstein, as per AFP, made the statement during a meeting with the envoys of Ireland, Norway and Spain. During the meeting, he "reprimanded the ambassadors for the perverse decision of their governments to recognise a Palestinian state.

Reprimanding them for their governments' move announced on Wednesday (May 22), he said that the recognition makes it "more difficult to promote a deal for the release of hostages" still held in Gaza by Palestinian militants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indocttrination-four-year-old-australian-kids-hamas-militant-group-themed-birthday-cake-sparks-anger-724643">'Indoctrination': Four-year-old Australian kids Hamas militant group themed birthday cake sparks anger</a>

He also showed them a video of the kidnapping of five women soldiers during the October 7 attack by Hamas.

The video, which was also released to the media, shows the women sitting on the ground, some with blood on their faces, with their hands tied following their capture from the Nahal Oz base in southern Israel.

Israeli government spokesperson, Avi Hyman, addressing the envoys, said: "If Israel has learned anything in recent months, it is that our children deserve a better, safer future - not the resurrection of old, failed policies created by blindsided back-seat drivers abroad."

"A recognition of a Palestinian state does not promote peace. It perpetuates war. Any kind of so-called solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that compromises Israel's security does not mean peace. There will be zero compromise on our security."

"Other than the October 7th massacre, what exactly has changed in the Palestinian Authority to warrants this prize?" questioned Hyman.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-russia-taking-advantage-of-its-lack-of-air-defence-by-launching-brutal-strikes-724634">Zelensky claims Russia taking advantage of its 'lack of air defence' by launching brutal strikes</a>

"They continue with their policy of pay for slay, they continue to educate their children to hate, they still haven't held an election in 19 years...Fatah terrorists proudly participated in the October 7th massacre. The Palestinian Authority has not condemned the October 7th massacre."

"So what is this Palestinian state that you recognised? It is simply a public declaration that spits in the face of the Israeli people, while we fight a war for our very survival, against the genocidal forces that surround us," he remarked.

<h2>Recognising the Palestinian state</h2>

The announcement by the three nations comes after the International Criminal Court prosecutor announced that he would seek arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister. He said he would also seek warrants against Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict.

As per Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is a major force behind the effort to recognise the Palestinian state, the recognition would reinforce efforts to revive a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Thursday (May 23) warned that its ties with countries recognising a Palestinian state will face "serious consequences". This comes as Ireland, Norway and Spain prepare to recognise it from next week.

Israel on Thursday (May 23) warned that its ties with countries recognising a Palestinian state will face "serious consequences". This comes as Ireland, Norway and Spain prepare to recognise it from next week. "There will be additional serious consequences for relations with their countries following the decision they made," said Jacob Blitstein, a top official, in a statement released by Israel's foreign ministry. Recognition 'does not promote peace' Blitstein, as per AFP, made the statement during a meeting with the envoys of Ireland, Norway and Spain. During the meeting, he "reprimanded the ambassadors for the perverse decision of their governments to recognise a Palestinian state. Reprimanding them for their governments' move announced on Wednesday (May 22), he said that the recognition makes it "more difficult to promote a deal for the release of hostages" still held in Gaza by Palestinian militants. Also read | 'Indoctrination': Four-year-old Australian kids Hamas militant group themed birthday cake sparks anger He also showed them a video of the kidnapping of five women soldiers during the October 7 attack by Hamas. The video, which was also released to the media, shows the women sitting on the ground, some with blood on their faces, with their hands tied following their capture from the Nahal Oz base in southern Israel. Israeli government spokesperson, Avi Hyman, addressing the envoys, said: "If Israel has learned anything in recent months, it is that our children deserve a better, safer future - not the resurrection of old, failed policies created by blindsided back-seat drivers abroad." "A recognition of a Palestinian state does not promote peace. It perpetuates war. Any kind of so-called solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that compromises Israel's security does not mean peace. There will be zero compromise on our security." "Other than the October 7th massacre, what exactly has changed in the Palestinian Authority to warrants this prize?" questioned Hyman. Also read | Zelensky claims Russia taking advantage of its 'lack of air defence' by launching brutal strikes "They continue with their policy of pay for slay, they continue to educate their children to hate, they still haven't held an election in 19 years...Fatah terrorists proudly participated in the October 7th massacre. The Palestinian Authority has not condemned the October 7th massacre." "So what is this Palestinian state that you recognised? It is simply a public declaration that spits in the face of the Israeli people, while we fight a war for our very survival, against the genocidal forces that surround us," he remarked. Recognising the Palestinian state The announcement by the three nations comes after the International Criminal Court prosecutor announced that he would seek arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister. He said he would also seek warrants against Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict. As per Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is a major force behind the effort to recognise the Palestinian state, the recognition would reinforce efforts to revive a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel slams countries recognising Palestinian state, says move 'does not promote peace'

How soon is too soon for radicalisation? That's debatable, but four is definitely too young. In Australia, a four-year-old child's birthday cake is in the news for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;

The cake features a notorious Hamas militant group terrorist, and Palestinian flags.

<h2>Mixed reactions</h2>

The cake was custom-made by Oven Bakery by Fufu, a Sydney-based bakery, which posted pictures of the Hamas-themed cake on its social media handles.

One of the pictures shows the four-year-old identified as "Omar" by the bakery, impersonating Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for Hamas.

Wearing a keffiyeh and camouflage, striking a pose synonymous with Ubaida, the boy can be seen standing next to the cake and raising his finger.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyu-forces-palestine-protesters-to-watch-the-simpsons-as-punishment-724561">NYU forces pro-Palestinian protesters to watch 'The Simpsons' as punishment</a>

The post has caused&nbsp;mixed reactions.

On the one hand, people left comments like "What a cutie Mashallah," and "Omar is a champion," and on the other, people felt disturbed by the "indoctrination" of the young child.

<img alt="Hamas cake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fa9c14a-d524-4ef8-87ff-80c16443db81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-05-23T185325.696.jpg" />

As per the New York Pot, the criticism overshadowed the praise, leading the bakery to shut down its Instagram and Facebook pages to the public.

<h2>Child abuse?</h2>

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Australian Jewish Group chief executive Robert Gregory alleged, "Dressing a child up as a terrorist, including with what appears to be a Hamas headband, is reprehensible and a form of child abuse".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/beware-your-ready-to-eat-ultra-processed-food-may-be-readying-you-for-stroke-and-dementia-724612">Beware! Your ready-to-eat ultra-processed food may be readying you for stroke and dementia</a>

"Islamic extremism and radicalisation of youth is not just a problem for the Jewish community. It's a threat to all Australians," he said, noting "Australia has seen several recent incidents of Muslim youth allegedly stabbing or plotting to attack other Australians.

"Indoctrination starts at a young age and is similar to what is seen across the Middle East," he added.

New South Wales premier Chris Minns called the images "horrifying" and said "Hamas is an evil terrorist organisation. Kids parties should be innocent and fun, not hateful."

(With inputs from agencies)

How soon is too soon for radicalisation? That's debatable, but four is definitely too young. In Australia, a four-year-old child's birthday cake is in the news for all the wrong reasons.

How soon is too soon for radicalisation? That's debatable, but four is definitely too young. In Australia, a four-year-old child's birthday cake is in the news for all the wrong reasons. The cake features a notorious Hamas militant group terrorist, and Palestinian flags. Mixed reactions The cake was custom-made by Oven Bakery by Fufu, a Sydney-based bakery, which posted pictures of the Hamas-themed cake on its social media handles. One of the pictures shows the four-year-old identified as "Omar" by the bakery, impersonating Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for Hamas. Wearing a keffiyeh and camouflage, striking a pose synonymous with Ubaida, the boy can be seen standing next to the cake and raising his finger. Also read | NYU forces pro-Palestinian protesters to watch 'The Simpsons' as punishment The post has caused mixed reactions. On the one hand, people left comments like "What a cutie Mashallah," and "Omar is a champion," and on the other, people felt disturbed by the "indoctrination" of the young child. As per the New York Pot, the criticism overshadowed the praise, leading the bakery to shut down its Instagram and Facebook pages to the public. Child abuse? Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Australian Jewish Group chief executive Robert Gregory alleged, "Dressing a child up as a terrorist, including with what appears to be a Hamas headband, is reprehensible and a form of child abuse". Also read | Beware! Your ready-to-eat ultra-processed food may be readying you for stroke and dementia "Islamic extremism and radicalisation of youth is not just a problem for the Jewish community. It's a threat to all Australians," he said, noting "Australia has seen several recent incidents of Muslim youth allegedly stabbing or plotting to attack other Australians. "Indoctrination starts at a young age and is similar to what is seen across the Middle East," he added. New South Wales premier Chris Minns called the images "horrifying" and said "Hamas is an evil terrorist organisation. Kids parties should be innocent and fun, not hateful." (With inputs from agencies)

'Indoctrination': Four-year-old Australian kid's Hamas-themed birthday cake sparks anger

In a swift reaction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move amounted to a “reward for terror”, after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its October 7 attack which sparked the Gaza war.

‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state

Israel-Hamas war: Norway, Ireland, and Spain say will recognise Palestinian State

An Israeli Campaign Group has released footage of five Israeli female soldiers being captured by Palestinian militants during the October 7th attack. The three minutes clip shows the women sitting on the ground - some with blood on their faces.

New Israeli hostage video released: Footage of five captive Israeli female soldiers released

Egyptian intelligence quietly changed the terms of the ceasefire proposal that Israel signed earlier this month. Reports citing three people familiar with the discussions have said that the ceasefire agreement that Hamas announced on the 6th of May was not what the Qataris or the Americans had submitted.

Gaza ceasefire proposal changed? Egypt changes terms of Gaza ceasefire deal, says report

Israel's war cabinet has approved new guidelines regarding the hostage-ceasefire “indirect” talks with Hamas. Watch to know more.

Israel war: Fresh guidelines for Israel-Hamas truce talks

Israel war: Hostage video sparks protests, call for truce

Israel war: Footage of five captive IDF soldiers abducted on October 7, hostage video sparks protest

Israel's War cabinet has approved new guidelines regarding the hostage-ceasefire “indirect” talks with Hamas. Watch to know more.

Israel war cabinet approves new guidelines, NSC Chief says 'Israel failed to achieve war goals'

Israel-war: Israeli PM blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state

Israel war cabinet approves new guidelines for negotiators to resume truce talks with Hamas

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas.

Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">&nbsp;International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

"We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said.

"Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival."

In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand."

Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October&nbsp;7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive.&nbsp;

Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law."

He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amal-clooney-helps-icc-seek-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-hamas-leaders-723687">Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders</a>

The US&nbsp;ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions".

"I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference.

Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas. Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group. Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders "We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said. "Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival." In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand." Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive. Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law." He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal. Also Read | Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders The US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions". "I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference. Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel urges 'civilised nations' to spurn arrest warrants by ICC for its leaders

Israel invaded Jenin in the West Bank on Tuesday, killing at least seven Palestinians. Armed militants in the city were the objective of the operation, according to the Israeli military. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas War: US halts food food distribution in Ga

The ongoing Israel Hamas war has not only threatened the life and safety of human beings but also of animals, thankfully they have now found a new home. Watch the video to know more.

Israel war: Animals go hungry at war-torn Gaza zoo, evacuated amid war

Israel-Hamas War: Israel raids West Bank's Jenin, kills 7

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu denied allegations that he was starving Palestinians in Gaza as a method of war in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on Tuesday, saying an arrest warrant application currently under review in the International Criminal Court (ICC) is based on a “pack of lies.” Watch to know more.

Israel-War: Netanyahu defends himself amid ICC allegations

#Gravitas | Israel continues to show defiance in response to the potential issuance of an ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Urging 'civilised nations' to oppose ICC prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, the Israeli government has refuted allegations of starvation in Gaza. What happens next? Can Netanyahu be arrested? Why has Israel's ally U.S. opposed the ICC move?

ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu: 'ICC allegations a pack of lies,' says Netanyahu

Israel-War: ‘A pack of lies.’ Israeli PM denies he is starving civilians in Gaza as a method of war

Israel's Rafah border crossing seizure has disrupted the crucial aid flow in Gaza, threatening medical services. Hospitals in Gaza are operating without fuel. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel's Rafah operation threatens Gaza medical services

Watch top headlines of the hour: - ICC seeks warrants against Netanyahu, Sinwar - Netanyahu slams ICC prosecutor - Iran to hold Presidential election on June 28 - Hush Money Trial: Prosecution rests its case - Assange wins permission to appeal US extradition

Pro-Palestine protests at Yale | ICC prosecutor seeks warrants against Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants against both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza war.

Israel-Hamas War: ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders

Israel-Hamas War: ICC seeks arrest of Israeli PM Netanyahu and Hamas leaders for war crimes

An evidence review into the Gaza war by prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney,&nbsp;known for her extensive work in international law and her marriage to actor George Clooney, led to the&nbsp;International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders due to alleged war crimes.

The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, while filing arrest warrants&nbsp;applications,&nbsp;announced on Monday (May 20) that he has "reasonable grounds to believe" that these Israel and Hamas leaders "bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed&nbsp;in the Gaza strip from at least 8 October 2023.&nbsp;

Amal Clooney served as a special adviser in this high-profile case.

ICC’s chief prosecutor Khan praised Clooney and a panel of international law experts for their contributions in evaluating evidence related to war crimes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-anti-government-protesters-arrested-after-clashing-with-police-on-day-of-disruption-723686">Israel: Several anti-government protesters arrested after clashing with police on ‘day of disruption’</a>

“The panel is composed of experts of immense standing in international humanitarian law and international criminal law,” Khan reportedly stated.

In a statement from her Clooney Foundation for Justice, Amal Clooney explained her involvement.

“More than four months ago, the prosecutor of the international criminal court asked me to assist him with evaluating evidence of suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and Gaza. I agreed and joined a panel of international legal experts to undertake this task. Together we have engaged in an extensive process of evidence review and legal analysis including at the international criminal court in The Hague,” she said.

The panel concluded that Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh have committed war crimes, including "hostage-taking, murder, and crimes of sexual violence".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-blames-us-actions-for-helicopter-crash-that-killed-ebrahim-raisi-723684">Iran blames US actions for helicopter crash that killed Ebrahim Raisi</a>

Similarly, they determined that Netanyahu and Gallant have committed war crimes, including "starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and extermination".

<h2>Opposition from Biden, Netanyahu&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

This legal action by ICC has met opposition from the United States and Israel, with both countries contesting the ICC's jurisdiction.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-president-helicopter-crash-supreme-leader-allows-first-vice-president-to-take-charge-723679">Iran president helicopter crash: Supreme leader allows First Vice President to take charge</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-president-helicopter-crash-supreme-leader-allows-first-vice-president-to-take-charge-723679/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the ICC decision as absurd, asserting, “I reject with disgust the comparison of the prosecutor in the Hague between democratic Israel and the mass murderers of Hamas.”

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also defended Israel, stating, "Let me be clear: Whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas."

(With inputs from agencies)

An evidence review into the Gaza war by prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, known for her extensive work in international law and her marriage to actor George Clooney, led to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders due to alleged war crimes.

An evidence review into the Gaza war by prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, known for her extensive work in international law and her marriage to actor George Clooney, led to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders due to alleged war crimes. The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, while filing arrest warrants applications, announced on Monday (May 20) that he has "reasonable grounds to believe" that these Israel and Hamas leaders "bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed in the Gaza strip from at least 8 October 2023. Amal Clooney served as a special adviser in this high-profile case. ICC’s chief prosecutor Khan praised Clooney and a panel of international law experts for their contributions in evaluating evidence related to war crimes. Also Read | Israel: Several anti-government protesters arrested after clashing with police on ‘day of disruption’ “The panel is composed of experts of immense standing in international humanitarian law and international criminal law,” Khan reportedly stated. In a statement from her Clooney Foundation for Justice, Amal Clooney explained her involvement. “More than four months ago, the prosecutor of the international criminal court asked me to assist him with evaluating evidence of suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and Gaza. I agreed and joined a panel of international legal experts to undertake this task. Together we have engaged in an extensive process of evidence review and legal analysis including at the international criminal court in The Hague,” she said. The panel concluded that Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh have committed war crimes, including "hostage-taking, murder, and crimes of sexual violence". Also Read | Iran blames US actions for helicopter crash that killed Ebrahim Raisi Similarly, they determined that Netanyahu and Gallant have committed war crimes, including "starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and extermination". Opposition from Biden, Netanyahu This legal action by ICC has met opposition from the United States and Israel, with both countries contesting the ICC's jurisdiction. Watch | Iran president helicopter crash: Supreme leader allows First Vice President to take charge × Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the ICC decision as absurd, asserting, “I reject with disgust the comparison of the prosecutor in the Hague between democratic Israel and the mass murderers of Hamas.” Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also defended Israel, stating, "Let me be clear: Whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas." (With inputs from agencies)

Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. Watch in world leaders reaction!

Israel-Hamas War: World reacts to ICC prosecutor seeking Israel, Hamas arrest warrants

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: ICC chief prosecutor pursuing arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu

hamas

Hamas, News on Hamas, stories on Hamas, articles on Hamas, Hamas stories at Wion, Hamas news, Hamas latest news