ICC Investigates Potential War Crimes in Gaza

Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced on Sunday that the court is investigating potential crimes committed by both Israel and Hamas. Khan warned that impeding the entry of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip could constitute a crime under the jurisdiction of the ICC in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. During his visit to the Rafah border crossing in Egypt on Sunday, Khan highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

In Cairo, speaking to journalists, Khan called on Israel to "make recognisable efforts without further delay to ensure that civilian populations have access to basic food supplies, medicines, and anaesthetics." He also addressed the rulers of Gaza, stating: "Hamas and anyone in control of Gaza... When these aids reach Gaza, it is crucial that they reach the civilian populations and are not misused or diverted away from them."

A total of 100 trucks loaded with aid crossed the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to the Gaza Strip, which has been closed since the war began three weeks ago. UN officials reported that between 450 to 500 trucks used to enter the sector daily. However, according to relief organizations, this is insufficient to supply the more than 2.2 million people living there, with their situation worsening every day.

Khan emphasized that "civilians must have access to food, water, and medical supplies that they desperately need." He called for "significant efforts without further delay to ensure civilians have access to basic food, medicines, and anaesthetics," noting reports of surgeries being conducted without these essential medicines as if "we were in the Middle Ages."

Referring to the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Khan stated that "holding hostages constitutes a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions." Armed militants from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1400 deaths and approximately 230 people taken hostage. The death toll in the Gaza Strip continues to rise amidst fierce counter-attacks by Israel. According to the Ministry of Health in Hamas-controlled Gaza, over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.