View of the Rafah border area from the Egyptian side, as aid groups await a decision for it to open, to enter the besieged Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer
In a press conference held in Egypt on Sunday, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) top prosecutor, Karim Khan, stated that impeding relief supplies to Gaza’s population may constitute a crime falling under the jurisdiction of the ICC. Khan emphasized the urgent need for Israel to take discernable efforts, without further delay, to ensure that civilians receive basic necessities such as food and medicine.
The Gaza Strip, a densely populated Palestinian enclave, has been subjected to minimal aid supplies since Israel initiated bombardment in response to a deadly attack by Hamas, the ruling militant group, on October 7th. Israeli officials argue that essential items like food, water, and medicine have been entering through the Egyptian border, with expectations of increased quantities in the future. However, United Nations officials have consistently highlighted the limited nature of these supplies, which fails to correspond to the immense need on the ground.
During an unannounced visit, Khan made his way to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, where he posted a video statement on social media. Regrettably, he was unable to gain access to Gaza itself. Nonetheless, Khan expressed his hope to visit both the Gaza Strip and Israel during his stay in the region.
Since 2021, the ICC has been conducting investigations in the occupied Palestinian territories, primarily focusing on potential war crimes and crimes against humanity that have occurred since 2014. It is worth noting that Israel, not being a member of the ICC, has consistently rejected the court’s jurisdiction and refrains from engaging formally with its investigations.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands immediate attention and action. With the ICC prosecutor’s visit to the region and his firm stance on the impeded relief supplies, there is hope for increased international awareness and pressure to address the pressing needs of the population. As the situation unfolds, the world anxiously awaits concrete measures to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and ensure their fundamental rights are upheld.
COMMENTS