U.S. SENATE LEADERSHIP CONDEMNS ICC’S ARREST WARRANTS –
ICC Prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders
The Democratic and Republican leaders of the U.S. The Senate condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer labelling it “shameful” and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the ICC decision showed it to be “a rogue kangaroo court”.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said he had requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes.
Karim Khan said in a statement issued after more than seven months of war in Gaza that he had reasonable grounds to believe the five men “bear criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
U.S. President Joe Biden called the legal step “outrageous,” while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it could jeopardise negotiations on a hostage deal and ceasefire.
