ICC Prosecutor Expresses Concern Over Potential Israeli Offensive on Rafah in Gaza

(Patria) - The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday expressed deep concern over a potential Israeli ground offensive on Rafah in Gaza, warning that anyone violating international law will be held accountable, AFP reported.

Karim Khan said in a statement posted on X that his office's investigation into events in Gaza is "being pursued with urgency".

"I am deeply concerned by the reported bombings and the potential ground incursion by Israeli forces into Rafah," he said.

The ICC opened an investigation in 2021 against Israel, as well as Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups for possible war crimes in the Palestinian territories. Khan had previously stated that this investigation is now "expanding to cover the escalation of hostilities and violence since the attacks that occurred on October 7, 2023".

"All wars have rules and the laws that apply to armed conflict cannot be interpreted to render them hollow or meaningless," he said.

"This has been my consistent message, including my message from Ramallah last year. I have not seen any discernible change in Israel's conduct since then," he added.

Opening its doors in 2002, the ICC is the world's only independent court established to investigate the most serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It is a "court of last resort" and only acts if countries are unwilling or unable to investigate cases themselves.

"As I have stressed on numerous occasions, those who do not abide by the law should not complain later when my office takes action in accordance with its mandate," Khan warned.

"To all involved: my Office is actively investigating all alleged crimes. Those who violate the law will be held accountable," Khan said.

Khan called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

"This also represents an important focus of our investigation," he said.