ICC Prosecutor meets Turkish FM on sidelines of Munich Conference

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Feb 2024 12:55

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan meets Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip in light of the ongoing investigations by the ICC.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan meets Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 18, 2024. (Social media)

During the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a meeting with the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan.

Khan provided Fidan with updates on Israeli atrocities in Gaza, mentioning ongoing investigations into the Israeli crimes as well as the interviews with victims that the authorities conducted.

Stressing the significance of 2024 for the case, Khan emphasized "Israel's" unchanged tactics in Gaza, despite international calls for reform.

He reiterated the ICC's duty to hold violators of international law accountable.

Fidan acknowledged the lengthy legal process but emphasized Gaza's worsening conditions daily.

He warned that once the situation in the Gaza Strip reaches an irreversible point, a decision in favor of Palestinians could not reverse the catastrophe.

ICC 'actively investigating' any crimes committed in Gaza: Prosecutor

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor, earlier this month, said he was "deeply concerned by the reported bombardment and potential ground incursion by Israeli forces in Rafah," stressing that since his last visit to Ramallah, the occupied West Bank, Khan has "not seen any discernible change in conduct by Israel."

In a post on X, Khan said the ICC was "actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed" in Gaza, adding that "those who are in breach of the law will be held accountable."

Moreover, the ICC Prosecutor reminded that "all wars have rules and the laws applicable to armed conflict cannot be interpreted so as to render them hollow or devoid of meaning," as he reaffirmed that "this has been my consistent message."

He also made a clear statement noting that "those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my Office takes action pursuant to its mandate," while also reaffirming in a conclusory statement that he "continues to call for the immediate release of all hostages."