ICC rejects bid to halt probe into Israel’s crimes in Gaza

HAGUE, Dec. 16 (YPA) – Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday rejected another appeal filed by “Israel” to halt the investigation into crimes it committed in the Gaza Strip, thereby confirming the continuation of judicial proceedings, including investigations and the issued arrest warrants.

On appeal, the judges upheld an earlier Pre-Trial Chamber decision, which concluded that there was no “new situation” requiring the prosecution to reopen the proceedings or issue a new notification to Israel.

The appeals ruling also upheld a lower-chamber decision that the prosecution’s investigation into alleged crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction may include events following Israel’s war on Gaza, effectively confirming that the investigation will continue and that the arrest warrants issued last year against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Army Yoav Gallant remain in effect.

@E.Y.M