New York mayor explores arrest of Netanyahu over ICC warrant during UN visit

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is exploring options to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he attends the UN General Assembly in September. Mamdani told The New York Times that his administration is reviewing whether it has the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu during his potential visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. "I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague," Mamdani said, referring to the seat of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. However, the United States does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, which could complicate any potential arrest.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have continued, resulting in civilian casualties. On Saturday, Israeli strikes in Gaza City killed at least nine Palestinians, including three children, according to hospital officials. A strike on an apartment in the Nasr neighborhood killed a family of five, including three children, while another strike in the Zaytoun neighborhood killed three more people.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted a Hamas terrorist but did not comment on the civilian casualties. The ongoing violence has drawn international condemnation, with protesters in various cities, including Stockholm, denouncing the Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.
In addition to the potential arrest of Netanyahu, Mamdani's considerations have sparked reactions from Israeli officials. The Israeli ambassador to the UN has strongly reacted to the possibility of Netanyahu's arrest, although the specifics of the reaction were not detailed in the sources.
Mamdani's administration is reviewing the legal implications of arresting a sitting head of government who is under an ICC warrant but whose country does not recognize the court's jurisdiction.
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