The ICC demands an end to threats against the court during the Gaza war investigation

Asia-Pacific report

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor’s office has called for an end to what it calls intimidation of its staff, saying such threats could violate the “administration of justice” by the world’s permanent war crimes court.

The Hague-based office of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said in a statement yesterday that all attempts to obstruct, intimidate or improperly influence its officials must stop immediately.

Although the prosecutor’s statement did not mention Israel, it was issued after Israeli and US officials warned of consequences against the ICC if it were to issue arrest warrants over Israel’s war on Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

“The office is committed to working constructively with all stakeholders where such dialogue is consistent with its mandate under the Rome Statute to act independently and impartially,” Khan’s office said.

“However, that independence and impartiality are undermined when individuals threaten to retaliate against the court or judicial staff if the office, in fulfillment of its mandate, makes decisions on investigations or matters within its jurisdiction.”

It added that the Rome Statute, which outlines the structure and areas of jurisdiction of the ICC, prohibits threats against the court and its officials.

Arrest warrants speculation
Over the past week, media reports have indicated that the ICC could issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over the country’s conduct in Gaza.

The court can prosecute individuals for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The Israeli army has killed nearly 35,000 people in Gaza and destroyed large parts of the territory since the war began on October 7.

News of possible ICC charges against Israeli officials sparked an intense backlash by the country and its allies in the United States.

Declaration of the #ICC Office of the Attorney General pic.twitter.com/Cw331pMcDm

— International Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) May 3, 2024

On Tuesday, Netanyahu released a video message rebuking the court.

“Israel expects the leaders of the free world to firmly oppose the ICC’s excessive attack on Israel’s inherent right to self-defense,” he said.

“We expect them to use all available resources to stop this dangerous move.”

Since 2021, the court has been investigating possible Israeli abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories. Khan has said his team is investigating alleged war crimes in the ongoing war in Gaza.

In October, Khan said the court had jurisdiction over all possible war crimes committed by Hamas fighters in Israel and by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Student protests spread to New Zealand
Meanwhile, more than 2,200 students have been arrested in the United States as protests against the war on Gaza and calls for divestment from Israel have spread to more than 30 universities despite police action, and have also emerged in Australia, Canada, France, United States Kingdom – and now New Zealand in the Pacific.

RNZ News reports that more than 100 students have gathered at the University of Auckland’s city campus to protest the war.

The gathering was originally planned as an encampment, but the university said overnight stays were not allowed.

Tents had been set up among the crowds, but protest organizers said the event would be a rally.

The academic staff has appealed the administration’s decision against the encampment.