The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against the two Israeli leaders came “seven months late”, Hamas stated. In that time, “the Israeli occupation has committed thousands of crimes against Palestinian civilians, including children, women, doctors and journalists”, the group said. “It has destroyed private and public property, mosques, churches and hospitals,” it added. Hamas said the ICC prosecutor was attempting to “equate the victim with the executioner” by issuing arrest warrants against Palestinian leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yehya Sinwar and Mohammad Deif, claiming the warrants were issued with no legal basis.
