International Legal Debates Intensify Over ICC's Jurisdiction in Gaza War Crimes Case

Dozens of countries, academics, and rights groups have filed legal arguments related to the International Criminal Court's power to issue arrest warrants concerning the Gaza war and Hamas attacks. The submissions come as judges consider warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders. Opinions are divided, focusing on the court's jurisdiction under the Oslo Accords.

Dozens of countries, academics, and rights groups have entered the fray over the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction concerning arrest warrants in the investigation of the Gaza war and the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel.

This week saw a slew of legal submissions as a panel of judges deliberates on the request by the court's chief prosecutor for warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders. The prosecutor, Karim Khan, has accused them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The legal arguments largely debate whether the ICC's power is constrained by the 1993 Oslo Accords. While Israel rejects the warrants, arguing adherence to international law, the Palestinian legal camp warns that opposing the court's jurisdiction undermines justice and accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)