Lebanon has taken steps to accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to prosecute violations occurring on Lebanese territory since October. Human Rights Watch stated that this action represents a "landmark step" towards achieving justice for war crimes.

Over the past six months, Lebanon has leveled accusations against Israel, alleging repeated violations of its sovereignty and breaches of international law. During this period, both the Israeli military and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah have engaged in exchanges of fire across Lebanon's southern border, coinciding with the Gaza War.

A Reuters investigation has revealed that cross-border shelling has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers, and journalists. Among the casualties was Reuters visuals reporter Issam Abdallah, who was killed by an Israeli tank on Oct. 13.

Lebanon's caretaker cabinet, in a vote, decided to direct the foreign affairs ministry to submit a declaration to the ICC, accepting the court's jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes committed on Lebanese territory since Oct. 7.

The decree also instructed the foreign ministry to include a report prepared by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, an independent research institute, in its complaints about Israel to the United Nations.

The report, which specifically examined Abdallah's killing, was produced by analyzing shrapnel, flak jackets, a camera, tripod, and a large piece of metal gathered by Reuters from the scene, along with video and audio material. Neither Lebanon nor Israel are members of the ICC, based in The Hague.

However, filing a declaration to the court would grant it jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute relevant crimes during a specific period. Ukraine has filed such declarations twice, enabling the court to investigate alleged Russian war crimes.

Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, stated, "The Lebanese government has taken a landmark step toward securing justice for war crimes in the country."

Fakih urged the foreign minister to "swiftly" formalise the move by filing a declaration to the ICC. "This is an important reminder to those who flout their obligations under the laws of war that they may find themselves in the dock," Fakih added.

Image source: Reuters