Breaking: IDF Engages in Counter-Terrorism Operations in Jenin and Gaza; ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders
May 21, 2024
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In the past 24 hours, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched military operations in Jenin, located in Judea and Samaria, and continued ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip. These engagements resulted in the elimination of dozens of terrorists. Simultaneously, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced plans to file a request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Operation in Jenin
Early Tuesday morning, Israeli security forces, including the IDF and Shin Bet, launched a counter-terrorism operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Upon entering the city, Israeli forces were met with heavy gunfire from terrorists. The battle is ongoing, with at least ten terrorists eliminated and no Israeli casualties reported so far. Prior to the ground operation, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes targeting senior terrorists in the city, including Islam Khamaisa, who was responsible for several attacks against Israeli citizens.
Fighting in Gaza
IDF soldiers from various brigades, including the Parachute Brigade, 460th Brigade, and 7th Brigade, are engaged in intense battles in the heart of Jabaliya. The fighting has resulted in the elimination of dozens of terrorists and the confiscation of large stockpiles of weapons and ammunition. In Rafah, soldiers from the Givati Brigade and 401st Brigade are also inflicting heavy losses on Hamas, destroying rocket launchers and weapons stockpiles. The IDF is working to locate and destroy terrorist tunnels used for smuggling weapons and internal movement.
Hezbollah Commander Eliminated
An IDF air strike eliminated Kasem Skalawi, a senior Hezbollah commander responsible for planning and executing rocket attacks on Israeli civilian communities and coordinating anti-tank missile fire against IDF troops along the northern border.
ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan announced his intention to request arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alongside warrants for Hamas leaders. This announcement has raised concerns among the Israeli defense establishment, fearing the pursuit of warrants against senior IDF officials. Emergency meetings have been held between legal officials in the IDF and various government ministries to address the issue.
International Reactions
The United States and other Israeli allies have issued statements condemning the ICC Prosecutor's move. U.S. President Joe Biden described the decision as a "scandal," emphasizing that there is no equality between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized the decision, calling it "absurd and false" and questioning the audacity of comparing Hamas to the IDF. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected the comparison made by the prosecutor, calling it "shameful" and reaffirming U.S. support for Israel.