KUALA LUMPUR: The Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) has called for immediate action to protect the rights and lives of Palestinians, emphasising that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has the mandate to address the situation.
In a statement, Centhra chairman and founder Azril Mohd Amin said the Palestinian authorities' membership in the ICC in 2015 grants the court jurisdiction over crimes committed on the territory of its member states or by their nationals elsewhere, empowering it to act in this situation.
However, Azril lamented the slow progress in holding those responsible accountable.
"Regrettably, despite an ongoing investigation into "the situation in the State of Palestine" for alleged war crimes committed since June 13, 2014, there has been too little progress.
"It is imperative that the ICC issues a stern warning, making it unequivocally clear that while Israel has a right to defend itself, crimes against humanity and war crimes must not be tolerated.
"Swift and resolute actions must be taken to bring those responsible for these grave offences and brutality, accountable, just as we have seen in the context of the Ukrainian conflict with Russia," said Azril.
He also urged the ICC chief prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, to prioritise a visit to Gaza, similar to his visit to Ukraine, as a symbol of support and reaffirmation of the ICC's commitment to justice and accountability.
"The visit would serve as a symbol of support and reaffirmation of the ICC's commitment to justice and accountability which could usher the end of Israelis' scale of atrocities," he added.
Furthermore, he expressed his profound solidarity with the people of Palestine during these challenging times. emphasising the urgent need for global attention and action to address their sufferings.
"Their sufferings ignite a grave concern that demands global attention and action. We remain steadfast in our commitment for the protection of human rights and the rule of law."