Report: ICC prosecutors question staff from Al-Shifa and Nasser hospitals in relation to Israel’s war on Gaza

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors are reportedly gathering testimony from staff at two major hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera has reported. The investigators are speaking to medical workers about possible crimes during Israel’s nearly seven-month war on the territory. Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that staff from Al-Shifa Hospital and Nasser Hospital have been interviewed. The hospitals were reportedly surrounded, besieged, and stormed by Israeli forces during the conflict. The United Nations human rights office expressed horror at reports of mass graves found at the hospitals after Israeli sieges and raids caused damage. The ICC is investigating both sides of the conflict, including a Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli war on Gaza. Israel, not a member of the ICC, denies any allegations of war crimes. The civil defence agency in Gaza reported that mass graves contained 392 bodies, including women, children, and the elderly. Claims of bodies being buried alive have been made, but the Israeli army denies these accusations. The ICC’s jurisdiction over actions in the Palestinian territories, including by Israeli soldiers, has heightened scrutiny on Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Former Middle East peace envoy Salman Shaikh believes international courts will hold Israeli officials accountable, and Western countries should reconsider their support for Israel during the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defend Israel’s right to self-defense against any ICC actions. The outcome of the ICC investigation could have significant implications for the accountability of individuals involved in the conflict.

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