What happens after ICC prosecutor seeks warrants in Israel-Gaza conflict?
The International Criminal Court prosecutor’s office has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence chief, as well as three Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The request will be reviewed by a pre-trial chamber composed of three magistrates, who will decide whether to issue the arrest warrants. If issued, the individuals could be arrested if they travel to an ICC signatory state, but the court itself has no means to enforce an arrest. The application for warrants may indirectly influence other court cases and legal challenges related to Gaza.