The Hague - The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court stressed the court's jurisdiction to investigate Israeli nationals and called for urgent action on arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
In court filings released on Friday, prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized the importance of not delaying the process of issuing arrest warrants against Israeli officials and Hamas leaders.
"Any delay in these proceedings negatively impacts the rights of victims," Khan stated.
Khan reiterated that the court has the authority to prosecute Israeli nationals for atrocities committed in the Palestinian territories and urged judges to reject legal challenges from various governments and parties.
"It is established that the court has jurisdiction in this case," the filing affirmed, dismissing arguments based on the Oslo accords and Israel's claims of conducting its own investigations into alleged war crimes.
ICC prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that Netanyahu, Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, military chief Mohammed Al-Masri, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh are criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Recent developments include the reported assassination of Haniyeh in Iran and the alleged killing of Al-Masri (Mohammed Deif) in an Israeli airstrike. The situation has resulted in casualties on both sides, with thousands of Palestinians killed in the conflict.
Both Israeli and Palestinian authorities have denied accusations of war crimes, criticizing Khan's decision to seek arrest warrants.
There is currently no set deadline for judges to make a decision on the warrants.
This article highlights the ongoing legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court involving Israeli and Hamas officials accused of war crimes. The prosecutor's call for urgent action on arrest warrants signifies the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability in cases of alleged atrocities. The outcome of this legal process could have significant implications for the individuals involved and the broader conflict in the region. It is essential to monitor developments in this case to understand the potential impact on international justice and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.