ICC Investigators Interview Gaza Hospital Staff About Possible War Crimes During 2023 Conflict

Investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have interviewed staff at two of Gaza's largest hospitals, Al Shifa and Nasser Hospitals, as part of their probe into possible war crimes committed during the October 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel. The investigators are examining events surrounding the hospitals, which were high-profile Israeli targets during the hostilities, despite Israel's rejection of ICC jurisdiction over its citizens.

According to sources, ICC prosecutors spoke with medical personnel who witnessed the events at Al Shifa and Nasser Hospitals during the conflict. The investigation is centered on collecting evidence and testimonies about what occurred at these locations, which could become part of the ICC's broader inquiry into the actions of both sides during the fighting.

Palestinian officials have also demanded investigations after hundreds of bodies were exhumed from mass graves at Nasser Hospital following the conflict. Some of the bodies showed signs of execution, torture, and being buried alive, raising concerns about potential violations of international law. "The Israeli military acknowledged exhuming existing burial sites near Nasser Hospital, claiming it was to search for missing hostages," one source stated.

Why this matters: The ICC investigation into possible war crimes committed by both Hamas and Israel during the 2023 Gaza conflict has significant implications for holding those responsible accountable under international law. The findings could also shape future policies and actions in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel has denied carrying out any war crimes, including in or around Gaza hospitals, maintaining that its military activities were justified by the presence of Hamas fighters. The Israeli government does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction over its citizens. However, the ICC asserts that it has the authority to investigate actions by anyone, including Israeli soldiers, in the Palestinian territories.

The UN, US, EU, and other international entities have called for independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and mass burials discovered at the Gaza hospitals. As the occupying power, Israel has an obligation under international law to maintain public order and civil life in Gaza, including ensuring proper burials can take place. The ICC's interviews with hospital staff mark a significant step in gathering evidence to determine if war crimes were committed during the 2023 conflict.

Key Takeaways

• ICC investigators interviewed staff at 2 Gaza hospitals about war crimes.
• Probe examines events at hospitals, which were Israeli targets in 2023 conflict.
• Mass graves at Nasser Hospital raised concerns about potential violations.
• Israel denies war crimes, rejects ICC jurisdiction over its citizens.
• ICC investigation could shape policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.