The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it received referrals from five states seeking an investigation into Israeli Occupation's war crimes in Gaza.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan disclosed that South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti submitted the referrals. These nations, as state parties to the court's Rome Statute, reported situations where potential crimes within the court's jurisdiction might have occurred. They requested the prosecutor to probe these situations and determine potential indictments against specific individuals.

Khan confirmed that the ICC is already investigating the situation in Palestine, which commenced in March 2021. This investigation encompasses potential Rome Statute violations from June 13, 2014, in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

He noted that the ongoing investigation covers the escalation of hostilities and violence since October 7, 2023. As per the Rome Statute, the ICC's jurisdiction includes crimes committed within a State Party's territory and against its nationals.

Khan mentioned the establishment of a specialized team upon assuming his term in June 2021, aimed at advancing the investigation in Palestine. This Unified Team focuses on collecting, preserving, and analyzing information and communications from various stakeholders concerning relevant incidents.

The prosecutor emphasized the accumulation of a substantial volume of information and evidence, urging individuals with relevant information to contact the ICC.

Also Read: Gaza death toll rises

The media office in Gaza announced that over 12,000 people were killed, including 5,000 children, since the beginning of Operation Aqsa Typhhon on October 7.

"The number of missing has risen to over 3,750, including 1,800 children still under the rubble," they added.