The Israeli legal rights organization Shurat HaDin – Israel Law Center (SHD) has lodged formal criminal complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Israeli Attorney General against Qatar and a network of British private intelligence firms. The complaints allege a coordinated effort to obstruct justice and support the Hamas terrorist organization. Reports suggest that Qatari officials promised ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan favorable treatment in exchange for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, which Khan announced in May 2024, citing alleged war crimes in Gaza.

In addition, allegations surfaced regarding a Qatar-linked intelligence operation targeting a female ICC subordinate who accused Khan of sexual assault, raising questions about the prosecutor's motivations. SHD's complaint names Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, as a principal suspect, arguing that his actions violate Article 70(1)(d) of the Rome Statute, which prohibits corrupt influence on ICC officials. SHD is demanding an urgent investigation into the Qatari officials and British firms involved.

The organization also seeks a domestic investigation in Israel, asserting that the actions violate Israeli law regarding aiding a terror organization, specifically Hamas. Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, founder of SHD, criticized the ICC's politicization and alleged corruption, claiming the arrest warrants are part of a broader delegitimization effort against Israel. This escalation marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle over the ICC's conduct towards Israel and highlights Qatar's controversial role in international legal affairs.