The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says people on both sides of the conflict in Gaza "bear criminal responsibility" for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Karim Khan is requesting arrest warrants for five men, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Khan issued a statement on Monday from the court in The Hague, saying Israeli leaders are using starvation as a "method of warfare" and "intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population." Khan has also applied for an arrest warrant for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Khan wrote that Hamas leaders Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammad Deif "planned and instigated" the attacks in October 7 on Israeli villages. He wrote that they are responsible for the killing of hundreds of citizens and the taking of at least 245 hostages. "We underline in the clearest possible fashion that international law and the laws of armed conflict apply to everyone," he said. "No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader - no one - can act with impunity."

Netanyahu labeled Khan's announcement a "disgrace."
He said comparing Israel and the "henchmen of Hamas" is a "travesty of justice."

Hamas officials released a statement saying they "strongly" denounce Khan's attempt to equate the "victim" with the "executioner." They demanded that he cancel all arrest warrants for their leaders.

A panel of judges will determine whether the evidence supports the issuing of warrants, a process that can take months.