Arrest warrants sought for Hamas and Israel leaders for alleged war crimes
ICC announces investigation
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, announced on 20 December 2019 that the ICC is opening an investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories since 13 June 2014.
The ICC's investigation will focus on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both Israeli and Palestinian forces. The ICC has not yet issued any arrest warrants, but Bensouda said that she is "satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed" in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Allegations of war crimes
The ICC's investigation will focus on a number of specific allegations of war crimes, including:
- The targeting of civilians by Israeli forces
- The use of excessive force by Israeli forces
- The destruction of civilian property by Israeli forces
- The torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli forces
- The arbitrary arrest and detention of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces
The ICC will also investigate allegations of war crimes committed by Palestinian forces, including the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel.
Arrest warrants sought
The ICC has not yet issued any arrest warrants, but Bensouda said that she is seeking warrants for the leaders of Hamas and Israel. The ICC is seeking warrants for Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Bensouda said that she is seeking warrants for these leaders because she believes that they are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Conclusion
The ICC's investigation into war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories is a significant development. The ICC is the only international court that can prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The ICC's investigation is likely to have a major impact on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
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