Mexico and Chile Urge ICC to Investigate Israeli Crimes Against Palestine
Mexico and Chile have submitted a case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) urging an investigation into the crimes committed against Palestinians.
The signboard of International Criminal Court (ICC) is seen as people carrying Palestinian flags and banners gather in front of ICC, calling for an investigation for attacks on Gaza, on October 18, 2023 in Hague, Netherlands. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a joint effort, Mexico and Chile have submitted a case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) urging an investigation into the crimes committed against Palestinians, particularly in the ongoing genocide in Gaza involving Israel. The move comes in response to the recent escalation of violence, raising concerns about civilian targets and alleged continued crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the ICC as the appropriate forum to address the conflict, citing its potential to establish criminal responsibility for offenders. The action follows various reports from the United Nations documenting instances of violence that could constitute crimes under the ICC’s Rome Statute. The concern focuses on events since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas fighters and subsequent hostilities in Gaza.
The statement emphasized that Palestine faces challenges in investigating or prosecuting crimes committed within its territory due to the near-collapse of its national justice infrastructure. Notably, Israel and the United States are not ICC members, limiting the court’s jurisdiction over their actions or territories.
Commitment to international justice
Mexico proposed that referring the case to the ICC could contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and reaffirmed its commitment to international justice, genocide prevention, and addressing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The statement endorsed a two-state solution, expressing hope that these actions would lead to an immediate ceasefire and contribute to lasting peace in the region.
After more than 100 days of violence, Israel’s actions have resulted in a significant toll on Palestinians, with at least 24,448 deaths and 61,504 injuries reported as of January 17. The ICC, established in 2002, operates independently of the UN and investigates international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Possible war crimes
In a related development, Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren expressed his nation’s interest in supporting the investigation into possible war crimes, emphasizing a commitment to address violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
The ICC’s prosecutor had previously indicated that investigating potential crimes by both Hamas and Israel was a priority.
The joint action by Mexico and Chile underscores international concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for accountability in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the ICC’s role in examining the alleged crimes will be closely watched, with implications for potential legal actions against those involved in the protracted violence.
Source: Anadolu Agency
