Israel’s Bombardment of Gaza Sparks Urgent Call for ICC Investigation
LONDON – As Israel intensifies its siege of Gaza, Palestine’s ambassador to the UK has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch an investigation into the alleged war crimes committed by Tel Aviv during its 10-day bombardment of the Gaza Strip, home to two million people.
Speaking at a press briefing attended by Arab News, Palestine’s ambassador Husam Zomlot accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of killing medical and rescue teams through airstrikes, hindering their efforts to reach civilians in need. Zomlot referred to Israel’s purported use of white phosphorus and its disproportionate, lethal bombardments as war crimes, calling on ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to swiftly intervene.
Zomlot expressed grave concern over the escalating casualty rate, stating that a Palestinian is being killed every five minutes. He stressed the need to prevent another wave of mass ethnic cleansing and a repetition of the Nakba (catastrophe) experienced by Palestinian refugees in 1948 when approximately 750,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes.
Despite instructing Palestinians in the northern part of Gaza to relocate southwards ahead of a massive offensive, Israel has also targeted civilians complying with the directive, violating international law, according to Zomlot. He called for the ICC to investigate the use of white phosphorus and any other potential crimes.
Zomlot further criticized international actors, including the US and the UK, for obstructing the ICC’s investigations and shielding Israel from accountability. He demanded the immediate opening of humanitarian aid channels into Gaza. Israel’s recent blockade of the enclave has severely limited access to necessities, such as power, food, and water.
In response to the ambassador’s remarks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant characterized Palestinians as human animals and stated that Israel would act accordingly in their military operations.
Highlighting the discrepancy between reported and actual death and injury tolls resulting from Israel’s bombardment, Zomlot emphasized that the current conflict compounds the 16 years of utter misery endured by Gazans under the 2007 blockade.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Zomlot emphasized the importance of justice over revenge. He shared the personal toll that the century-long conflict has taken on his own family, having lost relatives and experienced displacement himself. Zomlot expressed concern about the potential expansion of the war and stressed the need for international leaders to defuse tensions and promote community cohesion.
Zomlot also criticized Western news outlets, singling out the BBC, Sky News, and CNN, for contributing to the escalation of violence. He urged the media to provide comprehensive context and facts regarding the conflict, rather than engaging in political campaigning. The ambassador expressed disappointment with the lack of focus and carefulness in news reporting.
Overall, these developments highlight the urgent need for an ICC investigation into Israel’s actions in Gaza, as well as the importance of humanitarian aid and an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
