What’s happening:

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has embarked on an unannounced visit to Israel and the West Bank for discussions related to the recent conflict with Hamas.

Why it matters:

This non-official trip by the ICC Prosecutor is significant as it shows an active pursuit of justice and accountability regarding the violence that has taken place. The visit is particularly noteworthy as it excludes Gaza, a region that Khan had previously expressed a strong desire to access, highlighting the complexities and limitations faced by international legal bodies in conflict zones.

Behind the scenes:

The nature of the visit remains private, with no prior public announcement from the ICC or any governmental institution. This trip comes after Prosecutor Khan had already met with Israeli families affected by the October 7 invasion by Hamas. These families had traveled to The Hague to present their case to the Prosecutor.

The big picture:

Khan’s visit indicates an ongoing international concern over the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The visit may influence future legal proceedings and the ICC’s involvement in the region. Although access to Gaza has been denied, the Prosecutor’s actions demonstrate a continued commitment to engage with the situation on the ground.

This story was first published on jpost.com.