ICC Prosecutor Khan: “All wars have rules”

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan issued a written statement regarding Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. Expressing deep concern over Israel's overnight bombardment of Rafah and a potential ground operation, Khan stated, “My Office has an active, ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine.

This investigation is being treated as a matter of the utmost urgency, with the aim of bringing those responsible for crimes under the Rome Statute to justice,” he said.

"I HAVE NOT SEEN A CHANGE IN ISRAEL'S CONDUCT"

Emphasizing that all wars have rules, Khan said, “The laws applicable to armed conflict cannot be interpreted so as to render them hollow or devoid of meaning.

I have consistently delivered this message, including in Ramallah last year. Since then, I have not seen any discernible change in Israel's conduct. As I have repeatedly emphasized, those who break the law should not complain when my Office later acts within its mandate,” he said.

Stressing that his Office is actively investigating all alleged crimes, Khan said, “Those who violate the law will be held accountable. I also reiterate my call for the immediate release of all hostages, which remains an important focus of our investigations,” he said.

HE HAD WARNED THAT IT COULD BE CONSIDERED A WAR CRIME

Prosecutor Khan visited the Rafah Border Crossing, Israel, and Palestine last year, and warned that obstructing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip could be considered a war crime. Khan also stated that, despite Israel not being a state party, the court has jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed in Israel and the Gaza Strip.