Jurisdiction of ICC Over Alleged War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Against Palestinians Under the Complementarity Principle

Abstract

This study aims to reveal how the International Criminal Court (ICC) can exercise its jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed by Israelis under the complementarity regime. This paper discusses the ICC's jurisdiction on the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Israelis against the Palestinians under the complementarity principle which is provided in Article 17 of the Rome Statute. Also, to study the principles of international criminal responsibility for individuals, whether they are military superiors or subordinates, who commit acts that constitute a crime against humanity and a war crime under the Rome Statute. The significance of this study appears in shedding light on the jurisdiction of the ICC over Israeli perpetrators, even though Israel is not a party of the Rome Statute. To answer these questions, a qualitative analysis will be applied as its research methodology where both primary and secondary sources will be thoroughly examined. This article concludes that the Israeli national courts did not conduct genuine investigations or prosecutions domestically under the complementarity principle. Thus, the ICC has the authority to exercise its jurisdiction as a court of a last resort over crimes against humanity and war crimes in Palestinian territories as a party to the Rome Statute.