International Criminal Court prosecutor vows to ‘further intensify’ Gaza war crimes investigation
“Credible allegations of crimes during the current conflict should be the subject of timely, independent examination and investigation.”
Khan has previously said this investigation now “extends to the escalation of hostilities and violence since the attacks that took place on October 7, 2023”.
But ICC teams have not been able to enter Gaza or investigate in Israel, which is not an ICC member.
Khan said he witnessed “calculated cruelty” at the sites attacked by Hamas.
Israel widens evacuation order as it shifts offensive to south Gaza
Those attacks “represent some of the most serious international crimes that shock the conscience of humanity, crimes which the ICC was established to address”.
Khan also emphasised that “the manner in which Israel responds to these attacks is subject to clear legal parameters that govern armed conflict”.
Acknowledging that conflict in densely populated areas such as Gaza was “inherently complex”, international humanitarian law must still apply, Khan said.
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Gaza residents gather around a massive crater ahead of pause in war with Israel
Legal experts have told Agence France-Presse that both Hamas and Israel could face war crimes charges over the conflict.
Five countries called in mid-November for an ICC investigation into the Israel-Gaza war, with Khan saying his team had collected a “significant volume” of evidence on “relevant incidents”.
Khan also called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza and not be seized by Hamas.
“All actors must comply with international humanitarian law. If you do not do so, do not complain when my office is required to act,” he warned.