“The arrest warrant is not enough… Death sentences must be issued for these criminal leaders,” Khamenei said, condemning Israeli officials for their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
ALSO READ: ICC warrant will limit Netanyahu’s mobility, but may not affect his behaviour: Ex-envoy Fabian
The ICC’s decision, made public on Thursday, accused Netanyahu and Gallant of being criminally responsible for acts such as murder, persecution, and the use of starvation as a weapon during the conflict.
The court claims these actions are part of a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.” The charges have sparked outrage in Israel, with officials dismissing the move as “shameful” and “absurd.”
In Gaza, however, the announcement was met with mixed emotions. While some residents expressed hope that the ICC’s actions might lead to an end to the violence and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable, Israel has vehemently rejected the Hague-based court’s jurisdiction and denied any wrongdoing in Gaza.
Alongside the warrants for Israeli leaders, the ICC also targeted Hamas commander Ibrahim Al-Masri, accusing him of orchestrating mass killings during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which led to the escalation of the war.
Al-Masri faces additional charges of rape and hostage-taking. Israel has claimed to have killed Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in a July airstrike, although Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied his death.
ALSO READ: Israel, Hezbollah may ink truce as US envoy mediates amid daily rocket, airstrike clashes
