ICC Warrants Offer Little Hope Amid Intensified Strikes
Residents of Gaza voiced skepticism on Friday about the impact of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, as fresh Israeli military strikes claimed at least 24 lives. The strikes occurred across the Palestinian territory, including northern, central, and southern regions, with medics reporting devastating scenes.
Civilian Casualties Mount Across Gaza
In Gaza City, a strike on a home in Shejaia killed eight people, while another near a bakery left three dead. A fisherman was killed while setting out to sea. In central and southern Gaza, 12 individuals lost their lives in separate airstrikes.
Israeli forces also expanded their ground offensive in northern Gaza, targeting towns like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. Residents reported dozens of homes destroyed, deepening fears of permanent displacement. Israel claims its operations aim to prevent Hamas attacks, though locals suspect broader objectives.
Hospital Hit Amid Humanitarian Collapse
The Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya was struck by Israeli forces, injuring six medical staff and severely damaging essential infrastructure, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The hospital’s main generator and water tanks were destroyed, leaving it without power, oxygen, or water.
The health ministry warned that all hospital services in Gaza could cease within 48 hours unless fuel is allowed in. Israel restricts fuel imports, citing concerns over their potential use by Hamas, which the group denies.
Mixed Reactions to ICC Warrants
Gazans saw the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as symbolic recognition of their suffering but expressed doubts about enforcement.
“The U.S. protects Israel and vetoes anything against it. This decision will not change our reality,” said Saber Abu Ghali, waiting in a crowded bakery line in Khan Younis.
Seventy-five-year-old Saeed Abu Youssef echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’ve heard promises for over 76 years. Nothing changes.”
The ICC accused Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes, including persecution, starvation, and systematic attacks on civilians. The court also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas commander Ibrahim Al-Masri, though Israel claims to have already killed him—a claim unconfirmed by Hamas.
Escalation Follows October 7 Attack
The conflict intensified after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have killed nearly 44,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities, and much of Gaza lies in ruins.
Efforts for Ceasefire Falter
Mediation attempts by Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, have failed to secure a ceasefire. Hamas demands an end to the war, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the conflict will only end with Hamas’ complete eradication.
Conclusion
As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, residents continue to endure relentless violence while expressing little faith in international mechanisms to bring about justice or peace.
Stay connected to know more on arcnews.online for global news like Gaza Residents Express Doubt Over ICC Arrest Warrants Amid Ongoing Conflict. For videos updates visit our YouTube. Do subscribe to Arcnews to get latest updates directly in your mail box.
Have A Great Day.
