ICC Prosecutor Criticizes Israel's Lack of Effort in Gaza War Crimes Probe

Jan 17, 2025, 10:40 AM

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has defended his decision to bring war crimes allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khan stated that Israel has made 'no real effort' to investigate the allegations itself, which pertain to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Arrest warrants were issued last November for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. Khan emphasized that the ICC acts as a court of last resort and noted that Israel could still demonstrate its willingness to investigate the allegations under complementary principles. However, Israel has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction and denies the allegations. The United States, Israel's key ally, is not a member of the ICC and has criticized the arrest warrants. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to sanction the ICC, a move Khan described as 'unwanted and unwelcome.' Khan's comments come amid delays in ratifying a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas following over 460 days of conflict. The ICC, based in The Hague, has 125 member states and is tasked with prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression.