Lebanon Moves Towards ICC Jurisdiction for War Crimes Investigation: 70 Civilian Deaths and Reuters Reporter's Killing
Lebanon has taken a significant step towards accepting the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction to investigate war crimes committed on its territory since October.
This decision comes after accusations of sovereignty violations and international law breaches by Israel, which has been involved in cross-border shelling with Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
At least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers, and journalists, have been killed in this conflict, with Reuters visuals reporter Issam Abdallah being among the fatalities.
Human Rights Watch has hailed this move as a step towards justice for war crimes.
Lebanon's caretaker cabinet approved a decision on Friday to submit a declaration to the International Criminal Court (ICC) allowing the court to investigate and prosecute crimes committed on Lebanese soil since October 7, 2020.
The cabinet also instructed the foreign ministry to include a report from the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) in complaints against Israel at the United Nations.
The report, which examined evidence related to the killing of Lebanese journalist Lokman Slim, was prepared by analyzing shrapnel, flak jackets, a camera, tripod, and a large metal piece found at the scene, as well as video and audio material.
Neither Lebanon nor Israel are members of the ICC.
Ukraine has filed declarations to the International Criminal Court (ICC) twice, allowing the court to investigate alleged Russian war crimes.
The ICC needs a declaration from a country to have jurisdiction over crimes committed in that country during a specific period.
The Lebanese government has now taken a similar step, which Human Rights Watch urges them to formalize by filing a declaration against war crimes in their country.
This action could lead to accountability for those who violate the laws of war.