An arrest warrant has been issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, for their roles in Israel’s assault on Gaza. Countries have been divided in their response to the warrants, with some promising to arrest Netanyahu if he visits, while others, like Hungary, have vowed to protect him. The White House expressed concern over the process that led to the arrest warrants. The International Criminal Court announced the warrants as the death toll in Gaza continued to rise, with concerns about a humanitarian crisis in the region. Some European countries have not stated their stance on arresting Netanyahu, while others have promised to uphold their obligations to the ICC. Meanwhile, some Middle Eastern countries and South Africa have praised the court’s decision. Pope Francis suggested that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza should be studied to determine if it constitutes genocide. The arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif add them to a list that includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been subject to an ICC warrant since last year. The situation has sparked diplomatic tensions and debates over international law and justice.
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