Haaretz: Israeli judges fear trying Hamas members due to concerns of international sanctions

It quoted the judges as saying during closed discussions that they believe "taking on this task may expose them to sanctions by various countries and bar them from entering their territories."

According to judicial sources who spoke to the newspaper, Israeli military court judges are banned to this day from residing in or traveling through Gulf countries' territories.

The sources added: "Quite a few judges fear that the expected public coverage of the elite members' trials will lead to additional restrictions."

The newspaper continued: "Another issue concerns the security of the judges who will manage the trials, as the unit tasked with protecting VIPs will handle their security."

Last May, the Knesset (parliament) passed legislation to establish a special court for those involved in the October 7, 2023 attack, according to the newspaper.

On that day, Hamas fighters attacked military bases and settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip, killing and capturing dozens of Israelis in response to "the occupation's daily crimes against the Palestinian people and their sanctities, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque," according to a statement by the movement at the time.

Israeli officials consider what happened on October 7 to be Israel's largest intelligence and military failure, which severely damaged the image of Israel and its army globally.

Since that day, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, leaving behind more than 73,000 dead and over 174,000 wounded Palestinians, in addition to destruction affecting 90 percent of the infrastructure.