International Criminal Law · Analysis and Cases

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The Prosecutor v. Yahya Sinwar


Case Sheet · ICC

The Prosecutor v. Yahya Sinwar

Situation Situation in the State of Palestine
Status Closed · Deceased

Context

Yahya Sinwar was the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Prosecutor filed an application for a warrant of arrest against him on 20 May 2024 for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed on the territory of Israel and the State of Palestine from at least 7 October 2023. Sinwar was killed on 16 October 2024 before a warrant could be issued. Proceedings were subsequently terminated.

Pre-Trial

Application for arrest warrant 20 May 2024
Crimes at application Crime against humanity of murder · art. 7(1)(a) RS
Crime against humanity of extermination · art. 7(1)(b) RS
Crime against humanity of torture · art. 7(1)(f) RS
Crime against humanity of rape · art. 7(1)(g)-1 RS
Crime against humanity of sexual violence · art. 7(1)(g)-6 RS
Crime against humanity of other inhumane acts · art. 7(1)(k) RS
War crime of murder · art. 8(2)(c)(i)-1 RS
War crime of cruel treatment · art. 8(2)(c)(i)-3 RS
War crime of torture · art. 8(2)(c)(i)-4 RS
War crime of outrages upon personal dignity · art. 8(2)(c)(ii) RS
War crime of taking hostages · art. 8(2)(c)(iii) RS
War crime of rape · art. 8(2)(e)(vi)-1 RS
War crime of sexual violence · art. 8(2)(e)(vi)-6 RS
Closure of proceedings Proceedings terminated following notification of death · 16 October 2024

Key Documents

Application for arrest warrant Statement of the Prosecutor on the Applications for Arrest Warrants in the Situation in Palestine (2024)
Withdrawal of Arrest Warrant Prosecution’s withdrawal of the Warrant of Arrest for Yahya Sinwar (2024)
Termination of proceedings Decision Terminating the Proceedings against Yahya Sinwar (2024)
ICC case page Official ICC page — The Prosecutor v. Yahya Sinwar