Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that the ICC’s decision is “antisemitic”, which means anti-Jewish.
US president Joe Biden has called the arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu “outrageous”, saying in a statement that the actions of Israel and Hamas cannot be compared.
Palestinians in Gaza have expressed hope that Israeli leaders will now be brought to justice. Several European countries have promised to comply with the ICC’s rules.
The UK’s foreign office told the BBC that “we respect the independence of the ICC,” adding that “Israel has a right to defend itself… There needs to be a ceasefire and a return of hostages.”