Attorneys for October 7 victims request ICC classification of Hamas attacks as genocide, arguing that actions reflect an intent to exterminate life in Israel. They cite international law precedents to support their case.
On October 3, 2023, attorneys representing victims of the October 7 attacks submitted a request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, urging him to reclassify the charges against Hamas as “genocide”. Previously, Khan had sought arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders for “crimes against humanity” and “war crimes” following his visit to Israel in May. The lawyers, representing 11 victim families, argue that the actions of Hamas demonstrate an intent to annihilate all evidence of life in Israel, warranting consideration of genocide and attempts at genocide. They convey that the attacks on October 7 exhibit a clear extermination agenda, akin to genocide, supported by international jurisprudence from court rulings on past genocides in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Cambodia. The attorneys emphasize that genocide is a precise legal term, not a mere slogan. Following their submission, Khan met with the families of victims on November 17, 2023.
In light of the ongoing conflicts involving Hamas and the implications of international law, the request for classification of Hamas’ actions as genocide raises significant legal questions. Historically, the ICC has prosecuted cases of crimes against humanity and genocide, and the arguments posed by the attorneys reflect an attempt to hold those responsible for the attacks on October 7 accountable under more severe classifications. This legal maneuver indicates a shift in perspective for pursuing justice for the victims as well as potential ramifications for future legal proceedings.
The submission by victim attorneys to reclassify Hamas crimes reflects a serious legal push to address the attacks on October 7, framing them within the context of genocide. The attorneys argue that the heinous nature of the attacks aligns with established definitions of genocidal actions, seeking to invoke a more rigorous international legal response. As this legal process unfolds, it may influence how similar cases are approached in the context of international law.
Original Source: www.europe1.fr
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