Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court have rejected an Israeli challenge seeking to limit the court’s investigation into the war on Ga-za, allowing prosecutors to continue examining alleged crimes committed after Ha-mas’ October 7, 2023 retaliation. The judges upheld a lower court ruling that the probe falls within the ICC’s jurisdiction, despite Israel not being a member of the court. The decision keeps the investigation active and blocks Israel’s attempt to narrow its scope.

As a result, arrest warrants issued last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant remain in place. Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the ruling, saying it reflects the ICC’s disregard for the sovereignty of non-member states. Israel has consistently rejected the court’s authority and denies committing war crimes, arguing its military campaign is aimed at defeating Hamas.

The ICC had also issued a warrant for Ha-mas leader Ibrahim al-Masri, which was later withdrawn following credible reports of his death. While a ceasefire took effect in October, Ga-za has been left largely devastated, with health officials reporting around 67,000 Pales-tinians kil-led, figures widely cited by the United Nations. The ruling addresses only one of several Israeli legal challenges, with no clear timeline for decisions on the remaining cases.