The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Israel has announced its decision to appeal against International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants relate to their alleged actions during the Gaza conflict.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes.

The arrests target Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas's military chief, Mohammed Deif.

The court also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas’ military leader, Mohammad Deif, who the Israeli military says was killed in the summer; Hamas has not confirmed his death.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan had announced on May 20 that he was seeking arrest warrants for alleged crimes connected to the Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the Israeli military response in Gaza. Israeli and Hamas leaders have dismissed allegations that they committed war crimes.

Israel's prime minister and former defence minister strongly deny allegations of war crimes in Gaza.

British foreign minister David Lammy said on Wednesday he would continue to talk and meet with Benjamin Netanyahu after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Provisions for immunity from prosecution at the International Criminal Court apply to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the French foreign ministry said Wednesday.

The Israeli government has officially notified the International Criminal Court (ICC) of its intention to appeal arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over their roles in the Gaza conflict.