Karim Khan discusses Middle East conflict and ICC's role

Karim Khan, the lead prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been actively investigating alleged war crimes in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the situation involving Israel and Palestine. Since October 7, he has emphasized the ICC's jurisdiction over crimes committed against innocent civilians, including children in Israel, and has stated that both Hamas and Israeli leaders have responsibilities under international law. The ICC operates under principles established during the Nuremberg Trials, which assert that there is no statute of limitations for war crimes, highlighting the importance of accountability for powerful individuals. Khan has expressed the need for persistent investigations and enforcement support to build global confidence in the ICC's ability to address significant international issues, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine-Israel. He has noted the lack of applications from Israel since 2021, indicating a gap in accountability for actions taken by its leaders. The ICC's role is crucial in ensuring that justice is served and that the promises of 'never again' are upheld in the face of ongoing atrocities.