The International Criminal Court (ICC) has vowed to continue its investigation into crimes committed in Palestinian territories with urgency. This follows the withdrawal of an arrest warrant for Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, who had been accused of war crimes.
On Thursday, the ICC prosecutor’s office confirmed that its investigation remains a top priority. Despite the removal of Deif’s arrest warrant, the court emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Deif had been targeted for his role in the October 2023 Hamas attacks on southern Israel, which led to the current Gaza war. He was accused of mass killings, rape, and hostage-taking, crimes that prompted the ICC’s investigation into the violence.
The ICC’s decision to withdraw the warrant followed the confirmation of Deif’s death. Hamas officially acknowledged his death in late January, after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed him in 2023.
Judge William Alsup’s ruling on Wednesday marked a significant moment in the investigation. He stated that the absence of Deif no longer changes the urgency of addressing the broader context of crimes committed in the region.
The court’s focus remains on crimes committed by all parties involved in the conflict, not just Hamas. While the removal of Deif from the list of suspects is a development, the investigation extends beyond his actions.
The investigation will also look into possible war crimes committed by Israeli forces during the conflict. The court has stated that both sides of the war will be held accountable for actions impacting civilians.
Despite the shift in focus, the ICC’s commitment to investigating war crimes in Gaza is unchanged. The prosecutor’s office has reiterated its mission to ensure accountability for all crimes related to the ongoing violence.
As investigations proceed, both Palestinian and Israeli authorities are expected to face scrutiny. The court aims to ensure that justice is pursued impartially, no matter the political backdrop of the conflict.
The ICC’s investigation began after the 2021 escalation in violence and has continued as the situation in Gaza worsened. With the conflict still ongoing, the ICC’s role remains crucial in upholding international law.
The withdrawal of Deif’s warrant does not undermine the investigation’s progress. It signals that the ICC will adapt its approach but still prioritize crimes against civilians, no matter the perpetrator.
As the investigation moves forward, the ICC will continue gathering evidence from the region. This includes testimony from victims, human rights organizations, and reports from international observers.
While challenges remain in investigating a conflict zone like Gaza, the court’s commitment to justice is clear. The ICC’s ongoing work will be key to ensuring that all individuals involved in war crimes are held accountable.
