ICC Prosecutor Pushes for Urgent Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders

The International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, urged judges to swiftly decide on arrest warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and Hamas officials over alleged war crimes. Khan emphasized ICC's jurisdiction and dismissed legal challenges. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders deny the allegations.

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecutor has emphasized the court's jurisdiction to investigate allegations against Israeli nationals. The prosecutor, Karim Khan, has pressed judges to urgently decide on arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

In newly public court filings, Khan stressed that any delays would harm the rights of victims. He requested the judges to reject legal challenges from various governments and other entities, reiterating that the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes committed in the Palestinian territories.

Khan's filing dismissed arguments drawing from the Oslo accords and Israeli claims of internal investigations. ICC prosecutors argue there are reasonable grounds to suspect Netanyahu, Gallant, and top Hamas leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

(With inputs from agencies.)