ICC Prosecutor Criticizes Israel's Lack of Action on Gaza War Crimes Allegations
The Hague, Netherlands – The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, has voiced concerns over Israel’s failure to investigate alleged war crimes committed during its military operat
Khan expressed frustration with Israel’s lack of action in addressing war crimes allegations, stating that the country had not taken steps “that would meet the established jurisprudence.” Despite these concerns, Khan emphasized that Israel could still demonstrate a commitment to justice by initiating a thorough investigation, even after the warrants had been issued.
Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, Israel has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction and denied the allegations, despite the court’s calls for accountability. The United States, Israel’s key ally, also opposes the ICC’s jurisdiction, with the US Congress recently voting to impose sanctions on the court in response to the arrest warrants.
Khan acknowledged Israel’s strong legal expertise but criticized the country for not utilizing its judicial system to properly examine the allegations of crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. He suggested that Israel’s legal authorities had not sufficiently scrutinized the actions taken during the conflict.
Khan’s comments come at a time of heightened tension, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas after more than 460 days of war. The ceasefire deal, however, has been delayed due to political infighting in Israel’s government. Under pressure from hardline factions, Netanyahu postponed key cabinet meetings that were meant to ratify the ceasefire.
The security cabinet eventually approved the ceasefire, but it remains unclear when the full cabinet will hold a final vote. The Times of Israel reported that the full cabinet meeting could be delayed until Saturday night, pushing the potential ratification into the following day and possibly delaying the ceasefire’s implementation.
Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticized Netanyahu’s delay tactics, claiming that the Israeli leader’s primary goal was to keep his government intact. “He manipulated and tried to postpone it and procrastinate because his main goal is to keep his government together,” Barghouti told Al Jazeera. “But it is very clear now that he cannot manoeuvre any more.”
As the political and legal landscape surrounding the Gaza conflict continues to evolve, the ICC’s actions and Israel’s response will remain critical in the ongoing pursuit of accountability and justice for the victims of the war.
4o mini