The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has revealed an ongoing investigation into the violence being practiced by colonial Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
In an interview with the Today’s File show broadcast by the Palestine TV, Khan expressed his concern over the violence committed by Israeli settlers, stating, “I am concerned about the violence of the settlers who kill innocent Palestinians. This is something I am looking into, and Israel, the occupying power, should hold these settlers accountable.”
He added, “My message regarding settler attacks on Palestinians is very clear: we are investigating and making progress. Every actor in this field must adhere to the law, and if they do not, they should not complain in the future because we will prosecute them professionally.”
Addressing the timeframe for the investigation, the Prosecutor stated, “We must expedite the investigation. I understand the disappointment of the people, but I must subs
tantiate these matters with evidence, and I will expedite the process. However, it is not a forgotten case; it is the most important case in my office, and it holds significance alongside other cases.”
Khan pointed out that Israel prevented his entry into the Gaza Strip last October 30th. He stated, “The good news is that I am the first Prosecutor to successfully enter Palestine in 20 years, and I believe this is a very important moment that we must seize.”
Emphasizing the urgency of humanitarian aid, Khan stated, “I was very cautious when I was at the Rafah crossing. I clearly stated that humanitarian aid must enter, and I said this clearly and in front of everyone because not allowing it is a crime.”
Regarding the delay in the ICC opening a criminal investigation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Khan stated that he will accelerate the investigation, gather evidence, listen to victims, and then return to The Hague and other areas to continue the investigations.
Commenting on the rising toll of Pa
lestinian children in Gaza, Khan said, “Children in Palestine are important to their families, as in the rest of the world. Every life is important, and as I said in Cairo, all children are important, Palestinian children and children around the world. We must provide justice for them, and I will make every effort to do so.”
He added, “My work is to investigate independently and properly for every innocent life lost. Unfortunately, many of them are children-injured innocents, amputees. Anyone with ethics must act when they see these scenes. Every person’s life matters, and citizens must be protected and not killed during these events. As the Prosecutor of this court, I am clear that Israel must adhere to the law, and if they do not, they should not complain in the future. Justice is our right….”
Expressing hope to meet Gaza children face-to-face in the next visit to Palestine, Khan said, “We expedite matters, and I will also meet some victims in New York through Palestinian institutions. The goal is how w
e can use this disappointment positively to achieve justice. It is my responsibility to do anything to achieve justice, and I say to the world that we have judges and investigators, and I must do my job professionally; otherwise, we will have another disappointment.”
Regarding alternative methods that the ICC may resort to due to Israel preventing the Prosecutor from investigating on the ground, Khan stated, “There is a lot of data and testimony or through communications. For me, it is better to be in the region, and I will continue efforts to come to visit Gaza. However, there are satellite technologies and geospatial applications. There are various types of information or evidence that we can use to prove the facts I want to establish.”
He denied that the International Criminal Court follows double standards regarding the Palestinian situation, stating, “I have dedicated a lot of time to Palestinian investigations.”
Khan emphasized that he is doing his utmost and denied being pressured by any state or gr
oup with interests, asserting that he does not follow anyone’s agenda but only the sake of justice.
Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA