AMSTERDAM: The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sunday (Dec 3) called on both sides of the war between Israel and Hamas to adhere to international law, and to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to the besieged Gaza Strip.
“On humanitarian access, the law does not allow for doubt,” ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said after a four-day visit to the sites of the Oct 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and to the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank.
“Civilians must have access to basic food, water and desperately needed medical supplies, without further delay, and at pace and at scale,” Khan said, adding that Hamas must not misuse such aid.
“All actors must comply with international humanitarian law. If you do not do so, do not complain when my office is required to act.”
Khan offered Israel the court’s assistance in investigating crimes committed by Hamas during the Oct 7 terror attacks, even though the country is not a member of the Hague-based court and does not recognise its jurisdiction.
“The attacks against innocent Israeli civilians represent some of the most serious international crimes that shock the conscience of humanity, crimes which the ICC was established to address,” Khan said.
Source: CNA
