International Criminal Court’s Chief Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli Officials and Hamas Leaders

International tensions escalated on Monday as Israel and the U.S. strongly condemned a move by the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with the seven-month war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the announcement a “disgrace” and vowed to press ahead with Israel’s war against Hamas militants.

President Joe Biden also denounced the chief prosecutor’s decision, stating that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. He reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for Israel’s security but expressed concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.

Hamas, in response, denounced the request to arrest its leaders and accused the prosecutor of equating the victim with the executioner. The militant group asserted its right to resist Israeli occupation through armed resistance.

Meanwhile, Iran, a strong supporter of Hamas, faced a significant setback as President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were found dead after a helicopter crash. This development leaves Iran without two key leaders amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

In the midst of these developments, Israel raised allegations that the U.N. investigators ignored evidence of Hamas members employed by the agency for Palestinian refugees, further complicating the situation.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with both sides continuing their military operations. The U.S. has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the situation, but tensions remain high as the international community grapples with the complexities of the conflict.

As the situation unfolds, follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza for the latest updates.