The International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague in The Netherlands is the world's sole permanent court with the power to prosecute individuals for international crimes. These crimes include genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.
Typically, cases will advance to the ICC once they have cycled through local and national courts with no prosecution of crimes.
As of September 2021, 123 countries are signed on the Rome Statute, the binding legal treaty that enacted the creation of the court and serves as its legal guide. Israel signed on to the Statute on December 31, 2000, but its signature was never approved or accepted.
The Judicial Division is the body of lawmakers that hears cases, headed by the president. Cases are brought to the Judicial Division by the Prosecutor.
On March 3, 2021, then-ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced the opening of a full war crimes probe against Israel and Hamas, focusing on the Gaza wars in 2014 and 2018, as well as the launching of rockets by Hamas against Israeli civilians and the settlement enterprise.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday any ICC move would not affect Israel's actions but would "set a dangerous precedent that threatens soldiers and public figures."
Potential consequences for Israel if arrest warrants are approved by the ICC: Damage to reputation, limited mobility for officials, arms sales restrictions, and international isolation.
I shudder at unbelievable abuse of ICC Statute and of noble aims and intentions of its founding fathers, says legal expert.
As fears mount in Israel that the ICC will issue arrest warrants against the Prime Minister and other officials in the government and military, one has to wonder - Why is Joe Biden being so quiet?
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said his team is actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed in Gaza and that those who are in breach of the law will be held accountable.
The surprising news could be inexact given ICC's jurisdictional rules
The Russian president could be placed under arrest if he enters any ICC states.
Israel is facing the most daunting and critical period in decades as IDF lawyers are trying to balance both global and domestic pressures.
Ireland and Jordan were among 49 countries and three organizations that are addressing the court during the six-day process that began February 19 and is expected to end this coming Monday.
Time and time again, international bodies have attempted to investigate and hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes.
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