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 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>

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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

Fighting raged in Gaza after Israel vowed to intensify its ground offensive in Rafah despite international concerns for the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the southern city. Watch in for more details!

Israe-Hamas War: Heavy fighting between Israeli troops & Hamas in North Gaza

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. Netanyahu rejects prosecutors arrest bid. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu rejects ICC prosecutors arrest bid

ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu; 'ICC's move absurd, compared to Hamas' sham, ' says Israel PM

Israel-Hamas War: World court prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Hamas leaders

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group, that is fighting a war with Israel, said that Raisi supported the Palestinian people during the ongoing offensive.

"These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," referring to the war with Israel which began on Oct 7.

"They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people," said Hamas in a statement.

Raisi, who was also seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost his life in a helicopter crash that was first reported on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the mountainous terrain near the border of Azerbaijan, as the Iranian leader was returning from the Khoda Afarin region after inaugurating a dam.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found in a charred state early on Monday after an overnight search amid rain and fog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-one-day-state-mourning-after-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-dies-in-helicopter-crash-723584">Also read: India declares one-day state mourning after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash</a>

<h2>'Raisi played important role in supporting Palestinians,' says Islamic Jihad</h2>

The Islamic Jihad group, which is fighting alongside Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, also released a statement saying that Raisi and Amirabdollahian "played a prominent and clear role in supporting and assisting the struggle of the Palestinian people and its resistance in facing the ongoing criminal Zionist aggression."

"We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran can overcome this painful ordeal, as it has overcome all difficulties and challenges throughout its extended journey over the past decades," the group added.&nbsp;

<h2>Hezbollah expresses condolences</h2>

Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah offered its condolences on the death of Raisi.

"On the occasion of the painful incident that led to the martyrdom of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the martyrdom of our dear brother Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic and the representative of His Eminence Imam Khamenei in Azerbaijan Province, Mr. Mohamed Ali Al Hashem and the rest of the honourable brothers. Hezbollah in Lebanon extends its deepest condolences and feelings of sympathy for their loss," the statement said.

"We have known His Eminence the martyr president closely for a long time. He was a big brother to us, a strong supporter, a staunch defender of our causes and the nation’s causes, foremost of which is Jerusalem and Palestine, and a protector of the resistance movements and their fighters in all the positions of responsibility he assumed," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran and Gaza war</h2>

The statements by the militant groups claiming support from Raisi in the war against Israel come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian enclave which started after Hamas' assault on Oct 7.

Iran has repeatedly refuted claims of its involvement in what is termed one of the bloodiest attacks in Israel's history.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Hamas' unprecedented attacks against Israel, had said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong."

Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had also denied an Iranian role in the attacks, “The accusations linked to an Iranian role… are based on political reasons.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19).

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). The Palestinian militant group, that is fighting a war with Israel, said that Raisi supported the Palestinian people during the ongoing offensive. "These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," referring to the war with Israel which began on Oct 7. "They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people," said Hamas in a statement. Raisi, who was also seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost his life in a helicopter crash that was first reported on Sunday evening. The incident took place in the mountainous terrain near the border of Azerbaijan, as the Iranian leader was returning from the Khoda Afarin region after inaugurating a dam. The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found in a charred state early on Monday after an overnight search amid rain and fog. Also read: India declares one-day state mourning after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash 'Raisi played important role in supporting Palestinians,' says Islamic Jihad The Islamic Jihad group, which is fighting alongside Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, also released a statement saying that Raisi and Amirabdollahian "played a prominent and clear role in supporting and assisting the struggle of the Palestinian people and its resistance in facing the ongoing criminal Zionist aggression." "We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran can overcome this painful ordeal, as it has overcome all difficulties and challenges throughout its extended journey over the past decades," the group added. Hezbollah expresses condolences Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah offered its condolences on the death of Raisi. "On the occasion of the painful incident that led to the martyrdom of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the martyrdom of our dear brother Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic and the representative of His Eminence Imam Khamenei in Azerbaijan Province, Mr. Mohamed Ali Al Hashem and the rest of the honourable brothers. Hezbollah in Lebanon extends its deepest condolences and feelings of sympathy for their loss," the statement said. "We have known His Eminence the martyr president closely for a long time. He was a big brother to us, a strong supporter, a staunch defender of our causes and the nation’s causes, foremost of which is Jerusalem and Palestine, and a protector of the resistance movements and their fighters in all the positions of responsibility he assumed," it added. Iran and Gaza war The statements by the militant groups claiming support from Raisi in the war against Israel come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian enclave which started after Hamas' assault on Oct 7. Iran has repeatedly refuted claims of its involvement in what is termed one of the bloodiest attacks in Israel's history. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Hamas' unprecedented attacks against Israel, had said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong." Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had also denied an Iranian role in the attacks, “The accusations linked to an Iranian role… are based on political reasons.” (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad mourn Raisi’s demise, hail him for ‘support’ in war against Israel

Israeli planes and tanks pounded areas across the Gaza Strip, residents said, as White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan travelled to the region amid U.S. calls for a more focused military campaign. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel launches strikes across Gaza strip as US envoy meets Netanyahu

Israeli planes and tanks pounded areas across the Gaza strip, residents said, as White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan travelled to the region amid U.S. calls for a more focused military campaign. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Israel launches strikes across Gaza strip

Israel War: Israel has been pushing into Gaza

The condition of healthcare facilities are very quickly deteriorating in the Gaza Strip. The above report tells you about one of the only functioning Healthcare facilities in the city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: IDF's campaign leaves Gaza's medical system on brink of collapse

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