Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for a death sentence rather than arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. Speaking in response to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent decision, Khamenei criticized the warrants as insufficient, stating:
“They issued an arrest warrant, that’s not enough… Death sentence must be issued for these criminal leaders.”
ICC Charges Against Netanyahu and Gallant
The ICC issued the warrants citing “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu and Gallant were responsible for crimes including murder, persecution, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. These acts allegedly formed part of a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.”
The decision follows reports of significant civilian casualties and allegations of war crimes during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Reaction to the ICC Decision
Israeli officials condemned the ICC decision, calling it “shameful and absurd.” Israel has consistently rejected the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court and denies committing war crimes in Gaza.
Residents of Gaza welcomed the decision, expressing hope that it might lead to accountability for war crimes and an end to ongoing violence.
Charges Against Ibrahim Al-Masri
The warrant against Ibrahim Al-Masri, a senior Hamas leader also known as Mohammed Deif, accuses him of orchestrating mass killings, rape, and hostage-taking during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. These attacks marked the beginning of the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel previously claimed to have killed Al-Masri in a July airstrike. However, Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied his death, leaving questions about his status unresolved.
The Iranian government has long supported Hamas and Hezbollah, militant groups engaged in conflicts with Israel in Gaza and Lebanon. Tehran’s backing underscores its broader opposition to Israeli policies and its alignment with Palestinian resistance movements.
The Bottom Line
The ICC’s decision marks a significant moment in international law, raising questions about accountability for alleged war crimes. While Israel continues to reject the ICC’s jurisdiction, the warrants have amplified calls for justice and further highlighted the deep divides in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
