The International Criminal Court (ICC) has started a comprehensive investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories that are presently occupied by Israel. These areas include the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Decision for Investigation
The decision to instigate the investigation arrived following a recent ruling. This ruling upheld that the court’s jurisdiction extends to the territories that Israel has occupied since the 1967 Six-day Arab-Israeli war. During this war, Israeli forces seized control of several locations from different countries. The Golan Heights was taken over from Syria, the West Bank & East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Sinai Peninsula & Gaza Strip from Egypt.
Scope of Investigation
The scope of the investigation is broad. It is expected to cover several key events concerning the Palestinian territories. This includes the 2014 Gaza war, the 2018 Gaza border clashes, and Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank. Moreover, investigators will also examine whether rocket fire by Hamas and other groups originating from Gaza equates to war crimes.
About ICC
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by an international treaty known as ‘The Rome Statute’. This makes the ICC the world’s first permanent international criminal court. The Court’s headquarters are located in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC is tasked with investigating and trying individuals who are charged with the gravest crimes that concern the international community. These crimes include genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The overarching objective of the ICC is to hold those responsible for their grave actions accountable and to help prevent such crimes from recurring in the future. However, certain nations including India, the USA, and China are not party to the Rome Statute.
The Golan Heights
The Golan Heights is a significant area situated on the border between Israel and Syria in southwestern Syria. The region is a rocky plateau with an area of 1,800km². Israel managed to capture this strategic location from Syria during the 1967 war. Following the war, in 1981, Israel effectively annexed the territory. Recently, the USA officially recognized Jerusalem and Golan Heights as part of Israel.
To sum up, the investigation initiated by the ICC into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel marks a significant step towards ensuring accountability for potential crimes committed in these regions. As the investigation progresses, it’s imperative to observe how it shapes international relations and justice.
