Ireland's Tanaiste Micheal Martin (L) and Ireland's Taoiseach Simon Harris (R).RollingNews.ie

Ireland's Taoiseach and Tanaiste have both issued statements responding to the International Criminal Court's (ICC's) announcement today, November 21, that arrest warrants are being issued for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif).

The ICC said on Thursday that Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and Gallant, the Minister of Defence of Israel at the time of the alleged conduct, are wanted for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least October 8, 2023, until at least May 20, 2024, the day the Prosecution filed the applications for warrants of arrest.

Meanwhile, Deif, who the ICC says is the highest commander of the military wing of Hamas, is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed on the territory of the State of Israel and the State of Palestine from at least October 7, 2023.

In May, Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin noted the application for the arrest warrants, adding that "It is vital that we respect the independence and impartiality of the ICC."

Responding to the issuing of the arrest warrants on Thursday, Martin said the ICC's decision "follows the court’s determination that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the alleged crimes were committed by these individuals.

"Ireland is a strong supporter of the ICC and calls on all States to respect its independence and impartiality, with no attempts made to undermine the court.

"Ireland has committed €3 million in voluntary contributions to the ICC in the past year."

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In a longer statement, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for the three figures is "an extremely significant step."

Harris said: "The court points to reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant each bear criminal responsibility for crimes perpetrated in the war in Gaza, including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.

"In the case of the leadership of Hamas, the court points to reasonable grounds that Mr. Deif, along with Mr. Ismail Haniyeh and Mr. Yahya Sinwar, agreed to carry out the attacks of 7 October and that Mr. Deif is responsible for crimes against humanity of murder; extermination; torture; and rape and other form of sexual violence; as well as the war crimes of murder, cruel treatment, torture; taking hostages; outrages upon personal dignity; and rape and other forms of sexual violence.

"These charges could not be more serious."

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Harris continued: "The Government has long expressed its profound concern about the conduct of the war in Gaza and has stated clearly its belief that the rules of international law and international humanitarian law have not been upheld.

"We have insisted that international law must apply in all circumstances, at all times, and in all places, and that those responsible for breaches, those who commit war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be held fully to account.

"Ireland respects the role of the International Criminal Court. Anyone in a position to assist it in carrying out its vital work must now do so with urgency.

"There can be no argument against the need for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and unhindered access for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

"The situation in Gaza could not be more desperate, is an affront to humanity and cannot be allowed to continue a moment longer."