The United States and its allies have expressed concern the International Criminal Court could issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, scuttling a proposed cease-fire with Hamas, Bloomberg reported.
The U.S. fears Israel would back out of a truce if the ICC proceeds with the warrants and the Group of Seven nations have begun a quiet diplomatic effort to express that message to the court in The Hague, according to Bloomberg.
The ICC has considered issuing arrest warrants, including to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over Israel's conduct during the Gaza war. Arrest warrants are also being considered against Hamas leadership, Bloomberg reports.
The U.S. has opposed the ICC's investigation and said a cease-fire could be imminent, Bloomberg said, citing U.S. officials. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting Israel this week, called Israel's latest proposal "extremely generous," according to The Associated Press.
The New York Times said Israel would be willing to accept the release of 33 hostages, down from the 40 it originally demanded. Hamas said it can't free 40 women, elderly, or sick captives as demanded in return for a six-week cease-fire because it doesn't have enough hostages in that category, according to the Times.
Hamas has demanded Israel withdraw all troops from Gaza if they release all the hostages, while Israel has said it will agree to an extended pause but has vowed to ultimately destroy Hamas, according to The Associated Press.
The U.S. is not a member of the ICC, which was formed in 2002, though it has cooperated with prior investigations, including alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.
In February, Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor for the ICC said he was deeply concerned about the Israel-Hamas war and the potential for an Israel invasion of Rafah.
"Those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my Office takes action pursuant to its mandate," Khan said on X. "My office is actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed. Those who are in breach of the law will be held accountable. I also continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages."
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
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