Investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have conducted interviews with personnel from Gaza’s major hospitals, including Al Shifa in Gaza City and Nasser in Khan Younis, regarding potential crimes in the region.
Sources, preferring anonymity due to sensitivity, confirmed the ICC’s engagement with hospital staff but refrained from divulging specifics, citing concerns for witness safety.
The ICC’s prosecutor’s office abstained from commenting on operational details, prioritizing victim and witness protection.
The inquiry encompasses actions by both Hamas and Israeli forces during the conflict, with hospitals targeted by Israeli forces who allege Hamas’s military use, a claim Hamas and medical staff reject.
Palestinian officials seek investigations following the discovery of mass graves at Nasser. Israel refutes war crime allegations, emphasizing the legitimacy of its actions in the presence of Hamas fighters.
The ICC’s jurisdiction over actions in Palestinian territories, including by Israeli citizens, has been contested by Israel, which isn’t an ICC member.
Any ICC proceedings would be distinct from the International Court of Justice’s case, brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced potential ICC actions, asserting Israel’s right to self-defense.
The conflict, initiated by Hamas attacks on October 7, led to extensive casualties on both sides, with the ICC investigation advancing through testimonies from Israeli victims’ representatives.
