Iran’s Khamenei calls for death penalty for Netanyahu and Israeli officials over conflict in Gaza

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday, November 25, called for the execution of Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, instead of arrest warrants. These words came in response to the recent decision. International Criminal Court (ICC) Netanyahu will issue arrest warrants for former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim El Masri.

“ arrest warrant “It is not enough… Death sentences should be given to these criminal leaders,” said Khamenei, condemning Israeli officials for their involvement in the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

ALSO READ: Former envoy Fabian: ICC order will limit Netanyahu’s mobility but may not affect his behavior

In the ICC’s decision, made public on Thursday, Netanyahu and Gallant were accused of being criminally responsible for acts such as murder, cruelty and the weaponized use of starvation during the conflict.

The court alleges that these actions were part of a “widespread and systematic attack on the civilian population of Gaza.” The accusations sparked outrage in Israel, with officials calling the move “shameful” and “absurd.”

However, in Gaza, the announcement was met with mixed feelings. While some residents expressed hope that the ICC’s actions would 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.

In addition to the arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, the ICC also targeted Hamas commander Ibrahim al-Masri, accusing him of carrying out mass killings during attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to an escalation of the war.

Al-Masri also faces charges of rape and hostage-taking. Israel claimed to have killed Al Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike in July, but Hamas neither confirmed nor denied his death.

ALSO READ: Israel, Hezbollah may sign ceasefire as US envoy mediates amid daily clashes of rockets and airstrikes