ICC Orders Arrest of Israeli Leaders for Gaza War Crimes, Reactions Mixed

November 21 the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for former Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Among the charges include war crimes, crimes against humanity, and weaponizing famine during the continuing struggle in Gaza. The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian issues, Francesca Albanese, said this decision tested Western countries' dedication to justice and was therefore crucial. She underlined the need of shielding Palestinians from hunger, bombs, and violence.

Reactions to the ICC decision among Palestinians have been conflicted. According to the Al-Arabi Al-Jadid newspaper, doubts among Gaza people regarding whether the decision will result in significant transformation exist. Many regard it as symbolic acknowledgement of their ongoing suffering. Living in Khan Younes, Saber Abughali said, "this sentence will never be implemented since the U.S. supports Israel with its veto power." Others, like Said Abu Youssef, attacked the delay, noting that Palestinians have suffered persecution for 76 years without any real worldwide involvement.

The decision of the ICC comes in line with growing civilian losses in Gaza. According to international assessments, airstrikes and blockades have claimed over 15,000 Palestinians—including 6,000 children—deaths in recent years. Human rights organizations claim Israel targets civilian infrastructure, therefore depriving more than 80% of Gaza's inhabitants of their basic needs. Israel disputes these claims, though, and says its activities are self-defense against Hamas.

Geopolitical forces, according to experts, will impede ICC ruling implementation. Analyst West Asia Hasan Hanizadeh said Western nations and the United States still support Israel militarily and diplomatically. He underlined that several UN Security Council resolutions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza had been vetoed by the United States. This, he said, clearly indicates a prejudice undermining systems of world justice.

Many Palestinians still have questions about the ICC's significance notwithstanding its historic ruling. "We have seen promises of justice before," declared Abu Youssef. "Still the reality on the ground does not change." For many in Gaza, the decision marks acceptance of their suffering but falls short of providing quick relief or hope for peace.