In a significant development, five nations have jointly requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the situation in the Palestinian territories, accusing Israel of committing war crimes. The nations behind the referral are South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, with South Africa emphasizing the need for urgent attention to the grave situation in Palestine.

The ICC's prosecutor, Karim Kahn, confirmed receiving the joint request, adding that his office was already conducting an ongoing investigation into the "situation in the State of Palestine" concerning alleged war crimes that have occurred since June 13, 2014. This latest referral, while supportive, is expected to have limited practical impact due to the existing investigation.

Last month, Prosecutor Kahn stated that his jurisdiction extended to both Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 and any potential crimes committed by Israel in response, including bombings in the Gaza Strip. The prosecutor's office also revealed that it had already gathered a significant volume of information and evidence related to crimes committed in the Palestinian territories by both Palestinians and Israelis.

It is worth noting that Israel, not being a member of the ICC, does not recognize its jurisdiction. However, the ICC has the power to investigate nationals of non-member states under certain circumstances, including when alleged crimes are committed in the territories of member states. The Palestinian territories have been recognized as ICC members since 2015.

The ICC serves as a court of last resort, aiming to prosecute individuals for alleged criminal conduct when member states are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. With 124 member states, the court plays a crucial role in addressing grave international crimes and ensuring accountability.

The joint request for an ICC investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories underscores the seriousness of the situation and the pressing need for justice. As the international community continues to monitor developments, stakeholders will be closely observing the court's actions to ascertain the outcomes and potential impact on ongoing conflicts in the region.