What’s happening:
An anticipated exclusive interview with International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan for an Israeli media outlet was ultimately retracted by the ICC, despite prior confirmations.
Why it matters:
This incident underscores the complexities and challenges in the relationship between the ICC and Israeli media, as well as the court’s approach to sensitive geopolitical issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Details:
The Jerusalem Post had secured an agreement for an exclusive interview with ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan after extensive negotiations. The interview was confirmed multiple times with the understanding that it would take place either in person during Khan’s visit to Israel or via Zoom by November 30. However, the interview did not occur, and no explanation was provided for the withdrawal of the offer.
Between the lines:
The Jerusalem Post’s request for an interview followed a significant escalation in the Israeli-Gaza conflict, with the aim of understanding the ICC’s stance on alleged war crimes and its level of engagement on issues related to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The outlet had previously interviewed Khan’s predecessor and maintained strong connections with sources in The Hague, suggesting a history of fair reporting and access.
What they’re saying:
David Brinn, the Managing Editor of the Jerusalem Post, expressed disappointment over the broken promise, which led to the decision to make public the background dealings and communications with the ICC. The commitment to an interview, which was expected to provide insights into the ICC’s dialogue with Israel, was a significant factor in the decision to delay the publication of a related story.
The big picture:
Despite the setback with the Jerusalem Post, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has engaged with other international media outlets on issues related to Israel and Palestine. There remains hope that the ICC will engage with Israeli media in the future, particularly in light of Khan’s recent surprise visit to Israel.
Bottom line:
The Jerusalem Post continues to advocate for transparency and dialogue between international bodies like the ICC and Israeli media, emphasizing the importance of such interactions for informed reporting and public understanding of complex international legal matters.
This story was first published on jpost.com.