Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine)—The Palestinian foreign ministry has welcomed the move by Chile and Mexico to request an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into alleged crimes against civilians, as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensifies.
The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack inside Israel, resulting in approximately 1,140 civilian deaths, according to Israeli officials. Israel retaliated with a sustained air and ground offensive that, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, has claimed the lives of over 24,600 people, 70 percent of whom were children, women, and the elderly.
Calls for ICC Action
Mexico’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday, citing “growing concern over the latest escalation of violence, particularly against civilian targets,” and called for the ICC to determine potential criminal responsibility. It referenced numerous United Nations reports detailing incidents that could fall under the court’s jurisdiction.
Chile’s foreign minister, Alberto van Klaveren, expressed support for the investigation of war crimes, regardless of whether they were committed by Israelis or Palestinians.
Palestinian Response
The Palestinian foreign ministry praised the referral, calling for the ICC to “deter, investigate, and prosecute” the most serious crimes of international concern. It accused Israeli officials of continuing a “genocidal war” undeterred by international scrutiny.
Broader Context of ICC Involvement
In 2021, the ICC opened an investigation into potential war crimes in Palestinian territories, including actions by both Israel and Hamas. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan stated in November that the investigation now includes the current escalation in violence.
Mexico’s request also referenced a separate case brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and calling for an emergency suspension of its military campaign. While Israel has rejected the genocide allegations, the pressure for international legal action continues to grow.
Israel’s Position
Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction. Despite this, the calls for accountability from various nations are gaining momentum, adding to the global spotlight on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.