The chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court on Monday said that he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top Hamas leaders.

Prosecutor Karim Khan said he is requesting warrants for Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip on October 8.

A day after Hamas militants launched their unprecedented attack on Israel.

Among the allegations are starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population, a statement from Khans office said.

However, warrants have also been requested for Yehya al-Sinwar, leader of Hamas in Gaza, along with Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, head of the groups military wing, and Ismail Haniyeh, who is at the top of Hamas political bureau and is seen as the groups overall leader.

They were accused by Khan of bearing responsibility for murders, rapes, hostage-takings, torture and other inhumane acts from at least October 7. (dpa/NAN)