Israel’s allies warn ICC action would hurt Gaza ceasefire chances
- International Criminal Court arrest warrants could jeopardise peace talks, people said
- Gap between Israel and Hamas in talks for a new ceasefire has narrowed recently
The United States and its allies are concerned that the International Criminal Court may issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials just as the country is getting closer to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, potentially jeopardising a deal, people familiar with the matter said.
The worry is that Israel would back out of a truce if the ICC proceeds with the warrants, according to two of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.
Group of Seven nations have begun a quiet diplomatic effort to convey that message to The Hague-based court, the people said.
The ICC is weighing arrest warrants targeting both senior Israeli officials and the leadership of Hamas over the two sides’ conduct of the war in Gaza, the people said.
The New York Times previously reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be among those singled out.