Violence Against Civilians, Mexico And Chile Complaints Of Hamas-Israeli Conflict To The International Criminal Court

Israeli soldiers in Gaza. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - Mexico and Chile expressed "an increasing concern" on Thursday over the "increasing violence", after months of war between Israel and Hamas in referrals to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over possible crimes.

In a statement, Mexico's Foreign Ministry argued the ICC was the right forum to establish potential criminal responsibility, "whether it is done by the agents of occupation power or the rulers of the occupied territories".

"The actions taken by Mexico and Chile are due to growing concerns over the latest increase in violence, especially against civilian targets," he said.

Israel is not a member of a court based in The Hague and does not recognize its jurisdiction. However, prosecutor ICC stressed that its court has jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed by Hamas militants in Israel and by Israelis in Gaza.

Mexico cited "many reports from the United Nations detailing many incidents that could be considered crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC."

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Chile Alberto van Klaveren told reporters on Thursday at Santiago his country was "attrended to support investigations into possible war crimes" wherever it happened.

Mexico said it was following a case filed last week before the International Court (ICJ), in which South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, demanding a court order an emergency cessation of Israeli military campaigns. Israel rejects the allegations.

Both the ICJ and the ICC handle cases of alleged genocide, where the ICJ resolves disputes between countries, while the ICC hears individuals for crimes.

It is known that the militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel's southern region on October 7, killing 1,200 people most civilians and holding 253 people hostage, with many reports later emerging regarding rape and mutilation.

Israel's retaliatory attacks on the Hamas-led Gaza Strip have raised international vigilance and surveillance over the deaths of civilians, especially children.

Gaza's health authorities said on Thursday the death toll from the war had risen to 24,620, and many more were feared to be buried under the rubble.