‘Death Sentence Must Be Issued For Israeli Leaders,’ Says Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for death sentences to be issued against Israeli leaders, criticizing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. Khamenei’s remarks came on Monday in response to the ICC’s decision, which accused Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes related to their roles in the Gaza conflict, including acts of murder, persecution, and starvation as weapons of war.

“The arrest warrant is not enough… Death sentences must be issued for these criminal leaders,” Khamenei stated, referring to the Israeli leaders. The ICC’s ruling claims that Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.” The decision has sparked outrage in Israel, which has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction and denied allegations of war crimes.

In addition to the Israeli leaders, the ICC issued a warrant for Hamas military chief Ibrahim Al-Masri, accusing him of mass killings during the October 7 attacks on Israel. Israel, however, claims it killed Masri in an airstrike in July, although Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied his death.

The ICC’s actions have led to mixed reactions, with Gaza residents hopeful that they could lead to justice and an end to the violence, while Israel condemns the move as unjust and politically motivated.