After visiting Israel and Ramallah, the ICC prosecutor says he will intensify investigations

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, recently concluded a significant visit to Israel and Ramallah. During this visit, he emphasized the importance of the ongoing ICC investigation into potential crimes committed by Hamas militants and Israeli forces. The investigation, initiated in 2021, is progressing diligently and relies on substantial evidence rather than emotions.

The backdrop for this investigation is the conflict that erupted after the October 7 attacks by Hamas and other militants, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, primarily civilians, in southern Israel, with around 240 individuals taken hostage. Hamas has reported over 15,200 deaths in Gaza since the start of the war, with a significant proportion being women and children. Moreover, more than 40,000 people have been injured during this conflict.

Karim Khan, in a written statement following his visit, expressed his shock at the deliberate cruelty witnessed during the October 7 attacks. He met with Israeli victims’ families and called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and other militants. He characterized the attacks as among the most serious international crimes that the ICC was established to address and reiterated his commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

Khan also mentioned his willingness to cooperate with local prosecutors, aligning with the principle of complementarity. However, it’s worth noting that Israel, as a non-member state of the ICC, does not recognize its jurisdiction.

During his visit, Khan also met with Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, and spoke to Palestinian victims. He emphasized the application of international humanitarian law, even in densely populated areas where fighters may be embedded among civilians. He urged timely and independent examination and investigation of credible allegations of crimes during the conflict.

Additionally, Khan stressed the importance of allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, highlighting the dire conditions faced by doctors and patients operating without adequate resources. He also expressed concern about the increase in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, terming settler violence as unacceptable.

In summary, Karim Khan’s visit underscores the seriousness with which the ICC is approaching its investigation into potential crimes by both Hamas militants and Israeli forces. The focus remains on gathering objective and verifiable evidence to ensure a credible legal process.

For the full coverage of this development, you can refer to AP’s comprehensive report.

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More about ICC investigations

• AP’s comprehensive report on Israel-Hamas war
• International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Principle of Complementarity
• ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan
• Hamas