List Of Five Countries Referring Israel To ICC Over Gaza

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed receiving a referral from five countries, including South Africa, urging an investigation into Israel for alleged war crimes.

The department of international relations and cooperation (DIRCO) disclosed that it submitted the situation in the state of Palestine to the office of the prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC. South Africa’s ambassador, Vusi Madonsela, personally delivered the referral in The Hague.

South Africa, alongside like-minded states Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, collectively referred the situation in Palestine to prompt urgent attention from the ICC. Venezuela intends to join the submission through a written petition.

The referred countries include:
– 🇿🇦 South Africa
– 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
– 🇧🇴 Bolivia
– 🇰🇲 Comoros
– 🇩🇯 Djibouti
– 🇻🇪 Venezuela

ICC’s Karim Asad Ahmad Khan KC confirmed receiving the referral, stating that the investigation, initiated on March 3, 2021, covers potential Rome Statute crimes from June 13, 2014, in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The ongoing investigation extends to the escalation of hostilities and violence since October 7.

Khan highlighted the efforts of a unified team, established in June 2021, to collect, preserve, and analyze information related to relevant incidents. He encouraged individuals with pertinent information to contact the ICC.

The state of Palestine welcomed the referral by the five states parties, emphasizing the need to end the longstanding impunity Israel has enjoyed. Against the backdrop of the deadliest year for Palestinians and a humanitarian crisis, the referral urges the prosecutor’s vigorous investigation of crimes under the ICC’s jurisdiction in the context of the situation in Palestine.