The ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing by Israel in Gaza has giv­en rise to deep concerns on the international stage, with Mexico and Chile recently urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to in­vestigate potential war crimes. This situation has escalated into a humani­tarian crisis, prompting questions about the global community’s re­sponse and the unity within the Muslim world.

Since 7th October, Israel’s aggression marked by a relentless air and ground offensive, has inflicted significant casualties on the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of thousands, including a large number of children, women, and the elderly. The humanitarian impact has been severe, emphasizing the urgent need for interna­tional intervention. Chile and Mexico’s recent call for an ICC probe reflects the mounting global concern about the escalation of violence, especially against civilian targets. The ICC, based in The Hague, is viewed as the appropriate platform to establish potential criminal responsibility, con­sidering numerous reports from the United Nations detailing incidents that could constitute crimes under the ICC’s jurisdiction.

This move aligns with previous calls for investigation by South Africa, Ban­gladesh, Bolivia, the Comoros, and Djibouti. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan stressed that the investigation extends beyond the initial attacks, encompass­ing the overall escalation of hostilities and violence. However, the complexi­ty deepens due to Israel’s non-membership in the ICC and its rejection of the court’s jurisdiction. This non-recognition poses a challenge to holding indi­viduals accountable for potential war crimes. It underscores the need for a collective effort by the international community to address such conflicts and ensure accountability, pushing beyond legal barriers to seek justice.

The lack of unity within the Muslim world over the Gaza crisis is glaring. While the Palestinian foreign ministry welcomes the ICC referral, there is a broader call for more substantial support and unity among Muslim nations. The urgency of the situation demands a unified stance to address the hu­manitarian crisis and advocate for justice. The fragmented response from Muslim nations raises questions about their collective ability to influence the resolution of the conflict. The broader global response to the crisis has been a mix of concern, criticism, and calls for accountability. The absence of a more robust and unified response raises questions about the effectiveness of international institutions in preventing and addressing such conflicts. It also highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to prevent fur­ther escalation. The global community must reassess its mechanisms for re­sponding to crises and strive for more effective preventive measures.

The ICC’s investigation into Israel for possible war crimes is a significant step. However, the effectiveness of such investigations relies on internation­al cooperation and adherence to the outcomes. The international commu­nity must prioritize justice and hold those responsible accountable to deter future atrocities. The involvement of international organizations and their commitment to upholding justice is paramount in ensuring accountability.

This situation has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. In response to the escalation of violence, Chile and Mexico recently urge International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate potential war crimes, marking a crucial step towards accountability. Simultaneously, South Africa has joined the international cho­rus, condemning Israel’s aggression, branding it as genocide and ethnic target­ing, while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has become another avenue for seeking justice. Simultaneously, the ICJ, an institution specializing in resolv­ing disputes between states, has entered the arena. Its involvement provides an additional legal avenue for an impartial examination of the allegations of genocide and ethnic targeting. This move seeks justice and places the onus on the international community to support and adhere to the legal proceedings’ outcomes. The multifaceted response, including the ICC and ICJ, highlights the complexity of the Gaza crisis. It necessitates a coordinated global effort to pre­vent further escalation and address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected population. The international community’s involvement in legal in­stitutions like the ICC and ICJ signals a commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. However, their effectiveness depends on the collective will of nations to support these initiatives and ensure that justice is served

In conclusion, the Gaza crisis demands urgent attention and collective ac­tion from the international community. While the ICC investigation is a pos­itive step, more needs to be done to address the immediate humanitarian needs and prevent further loss of life. The unity of Muslim nations, along with broader global cooperation, is crucial to bringing about a just and lasting res­olution to the conflict. The international response to the Gaza crisis is a criti­cal test of the global community’s commitment to human rights, justice, and the prevention of war crimes. The situation calls for immediate action, unity among nations, and a reevaluation of the effectiveness of international insti­tutions in maintaining peace and justice in the face of humanitarian crises.

Dr Asif Channer
The writer is a Disaster Emergency Management Professional, Public Health Professional, Psychologist Criminologist and International Relations Expert as well as a freelance Columnist. He can be contacted at dremergency
bwp@gmail.com