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Tag: ICC

  • ICC commences operations soon – Wike

    ICC commences operations soon – Wike

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said operational use of the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) will commence after the commissioning scheduled for the 10th of June, 2025.

    The Minister stated this after inspecting the renovated ICC, the Outer Southern Expressway going to Wassa, and the Gishiri road construction project.

    The Minister had shut down the Conference Centre in April 2024 for an initial period of eight months, cancelling all previously booked events and activities, while citing poor maintenance by the previous managers, Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Limited.

    Wike then re-awarded the comprehensive renovation of the facility to Julius Berger, announcing that the ICC will be handed back to the Abuja Investment Company Limited following its renovation.

    However, the Minister stated that the FCT administration will enter an agreement with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the facility, describing maintenance of government facilities as: “a significant challenge in this country.”

    He noted that the new technological installations were not too complicated to be operated by the local staff who worked in the facility, adding that the administration will ensure that things are properly done.

    “The centre will be maintained by Julius Berger, the company that built it. We’re not going to hand it over to any politician to manage. Maintenance is a significant challenge in this country, and we’re committed to doing things differently.

    Read Also: Wike and his extraordinary media chats

    “The agreement with Julius Beggar will ensure that maintenance is done properly. We’re working on the details, and once the agreement is signed, we’ll make sure that anyone who uses the centre pays for maintenance.

    “Don’t worry about the new technology; the company that provided it will handle maintenance. The staff working there are Nigerians who have been supervised by us. The technology isn’t complicated, and we’ll start operations soon after commissioning,” he said.

    Wike also stated that leadership was crucial to the completion of various projects in the FCT, despite bureaucratic hurdles, stating; “Bureaucracy can be a challenge, but when you communicate your vision clearly and set expectations, people understand what needs to be done. Leadership is essential. Without it, you can’t achieve anything.”

    “I work closely with civil servants who understand the vision and are committed to achieving it. If someone is not performing well, I take decisive action. It’s not about dictating, but about communicating and setting clear expectations,” he added.

    THE NATION reports that the FCT administration has scheduled 17 days for the inauguration of projects across the nation’s capital, with the Conference Center scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday. 

    Wike urged Abuja residents to continue to support the Tinubu’s administration for more dividends of democracy. 

  • Ondo APC leaders deny working for opposition parties

    Ondo APC leaders deny working for opposition parties

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 3, Okeagbe, Akoko Northwest West local government area have denied working for opposition political parties in the state.

    The leaders said they were being threatened to abolish the Independence Consultative Council and renounce their membership of the association.

    They said the ICC was formed as an independent campaign group across all the 18 local governments to ensure victory of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in last year’s governorship election.

    Coordinator of ICC, ward 3, Okeagbe, Akoko North West, Olumide Victor Aliu, who spoke at a briefing in Akure, said it was unimaginable that a section of APC members in Akoko North West begun stigmatising his members and labelled them oppositions leaders.

    Olumide stated that several meetings of the ICC were disrupted and the leaders maligned and assaulted.

    Read Also: Ondo APC chieftain seeks peace in Akoko North West Council 

    According to him: “All these draconian, primitive and barbaric actions on the ICC members are not acceptable and will no longer be tolerated henceforth. 

    “Groups gathering together peacefully for good governance as enshrined in Nigeria constitution under the charter of freedom of association. Any individual against such peaceful gathering is indirectly against the Nigerian constitution.  

    ICC is not directed or targeted against any individual or group. 

    “We will not tolerate any intimidation of our members henceforth for exercising their constitutional rights. 

    We therefore call on Governor Aiyedatiwa for protection for ICC members in Ward 3.”

  • Nigeria asks ICC to stop unfair probe of its military

    Nigeria asks ICC to stop unfair probe of its military

    Nigeria has expressed concern about the prolonged investigation of its military by the office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), raised the concern yesterday during his presentation before the global court.
    A statement by the AGF’s spokesman Kamarudeen Ogundele, said Fagbemi spoke at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC holding between December 2 and 7 at The Hague, Netherlands.
    The AGF, who led the country’s delegation to the gathering, stated that Nigeria has demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism in the comity of nations.
    He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims.
    Fagbemi noted that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes by Nigeria’s military had lasted 14 years, demoralising to the service men who he said were laying down their lives to defend the country against terrorists.
    The AGF was also said to have emphasised that Nigeria, as a responsible state party to the Rome Statute, had consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.
    He said: “While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasise that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity.
    “The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes. “

    “I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

    “We are proud of the Nigerian military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles.

    “At the 22nd Session of this Assembly, Nigeria reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to address allegations against the Nigerian military made by Reuters.

    Read Also: Ex-AGF Aondoakaa denies testifying against FG in arbitration at ICC

    “After thorough investigations spanning eight months, the panel found no evidence to substantiate these claims.

    “The allegations of killings, torture, and the recruitment of underage fighters have been proven to be false and exaggerated.

    “Indeed, the work of the panel and acceptance of its recommendations by the government clearly indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable.

    “The conduct of military operations during conflict is regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities.

    “Our military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect. While inadvertent mistakes or errors of judgment may occur in the chaos of conflict, these are promptly investigated by impartial commissions and panels.

    “I wish to state that Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable. We also employ restorative justice measures, including compensation, when appropriate.

    “In addition, Nigeria’s six-month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programme has successfully reintegrated 4,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society.

    “We continue to prioritise the training and re-training of our Armed Forces, ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law remain at the forefront of our military operations, with a focus on protection of civilian protection.”

    Fagbemi also said the country was concerned by the seemingly predetermined stance of the Office of the Prosecutor on the nation’s Armed Forces and the situation in Nigeria, despite the government’s obvious efforts.

    He added: “We are also concerned about activities of apologists of terrorist groups, parading as civil society organizations, who are continuously making unsubstantiated allegations in order to undermine legitimate efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

    On behalf of Nigeria, the AGF urged all states’ parties to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions, as the use of cluster munitions continues to cause widespread suffering and hinders peace-building and humanitarian efforts.

    “He also congratulated the newly elected members of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims saying with their exceptional qualifications, he was confident they would fulfill the Fund’s mandate with integrity and dedication.

    “Nigeria stands firm with fellow state parties in the shared commitment to ending impunity for the world’s most serious crimes. We fully support the work of the ICC and encourage those States Parties yet to accede to the Rome Statute to do so,” the statement added.

  • FG asks ICC to stop unfair probe of Nigeria’s military 

    FG asks ICC to stop unfair probe of Nigeria’s military 

    Nigeria has expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged investigation of its military by the office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) spoke for Nigeria on Monday during his presentation before the court.

    Spokesman to the AGF, Kamarudeen Ogundele, in a statement, said Fagbemi spoke at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) holding between December 2 and 7 at The Hague, Netherlands.

    According to Ogundele, the AGF, who led the country’s delegation to the gathering, stated that Nigeria has demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism among other global crimes.

    He said the AGF expressed Nigeria’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims.

    The minister was said to have noted that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes by the military in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was demoralizing to the service men, who are laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.

    Fagbemi was also said to have emphasised that Nigeria, as a responsible state party to the Rome Statute, had consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct. 

    Ogundele quoted Fagbemi as saying: “While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasize that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity. 

    Read Also: As MicCom Foundation for bursaries, scholarships returns

    “The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes. 

    “I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. 

    “We are proud of the Nigerian Military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles.

    “At the 22nd Session of this Assembly, Nigeria reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission to address allegations against the Nigerian military made by Reuters. 

    “After thorough investigations spanning eight months, the Panel found no evidence to substantiate these claims. 

    “The allegations of killings, torture, and the recruitment of underage fighters have been proven to be false and exaggerated.

    “Indeed, the work of the Panel and acceptance of its recommendations by the Government clearly indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable. 

    “The conduct of military operations during conflict is regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities. 

    “Our Military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect. While inadvertent mistakes or errors of judgment may occur in the chaos of conflict, these are promptly investigated by impartial commissions and panels. 

    “I wish to state that Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable. We also employ restorative justice measures, including compensation, when appropriate.

    “In addition, Nigeria’s six-month Demobilization, Deradicalization, and Reintegration (DDR) program has successfully reintegrated 4,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society. 

    “We continue to prioritize the training and re-training of our armed forces, ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law remain at the forefront of our military operations, with a focus on protection of civilian protection.”

    Fagbemi was also said to have stated that the country was concerned by the seemingly predetermined stance of the Office of the Prosecutor regarding armed forces and the situation in Nigeria despite these efforts, 

    He was quoted as adding: “We are also concerned about activities of apologists of terrorist groups, parading as civil society organizations, who are continuously making unsubstantiated allegations in order to undermine legitimate efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

    The statement further said: “Fagbemi, on behalf of Nigeria, called on all states parties to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions, as the use of cluster munitions continues to cause widespread suffering and hinders peace-building and humanitarian efforts.

    “He also congratulated the newly elected members of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims saying with their exceptional qualifications, he was confident they would fulfill the Fund’s mandate with integrity and dedication.”

    Ogundele quoted Fagbemi as assuring that “Nigeria stands firm with fellow State Parties in the shared commitment to ending impunity for the world’s most serious crimes. We fully support the work of the ICC and encourage those States Parties yet to accede to the Rome Statute to do so.”

  • Pan African Forum petitions ICC to probe alleged war crimes in Cameroon

    Pan African Forum petitions ICC to probe alleged war crimes in Cameroon

    The Pan African Forum Ltd, an African lobby group, has submitted a formal application to the International Criminal Court (ICC), seeking an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to President Paul Biya. 

    The allegations are tied to the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.

    Filed on Friday, November 22, 2024, the 142-page petition is supported by extensive evidence of widespread atrocities. 

    Read Also: ICC seeks support to bring alleged Libyan war criminals to justice

    The group urged the ICC prosecutor to examine alleged violations, including the targeting of civilians, forced displacements, and other abuses during the conflict between government forces and separatist movements.

    The application follows years of escalating violence in Ambazonia, where English-speaking communities’ calls for independence have been met with harsh military crackdowns.

    Several activists and human rights organisations have accused the government of committing grave human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and destruction of property.

    The Pan African Forum Ltd’s petition, it was learnt, is intended to amplify international scrutiny of the crisis and encourage accountability at the global level. 

    The ICC’s response to the application remains pending. But, critics argued that the situation in Cameroon requires urgent intervention to prevent further suffering.

    The petition alleged that the conflict is spilling over to Nigeria with dire consequences for the countries.

    The application on the heels of President Biya’s long tenure and management of the Anglophone crisis drawing international criticism.

    The Pan African Forum Ltd is a forum for defence of Africa and African people on the continent. It was established on September 2012, in Kenya .

    The organisation constitutes an informal network of African scholars and university student leaders both current and past. 

    It was formed as a lobby group to support the African Union objectives on international aspects and other initiatives, at national, sub regional, regional and international levels.

  • ICC seeks support to bring alleged Libyan war criminals to justice

    ICC seeks support to bring alleged Libyan war criminals to justice

     The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday called on the UN Security Council to help execute arrest warrants against suspects allegedly linked to a brutal Libyan militia.

    The suspects were blamed for committing atrocity crimes in the town of Tarhuna, where mass graves were discovered in 2020.

    The six who remain at large were either key members or associated with the Al Kaniyat militia that controlled Tarhuna from at least 2015 to June 2020, when government forces ousted them from the city, which is located about 65 kilometres (about 40 miles) southeast of Tripoli.

    The arrest warrants against Abdurahem Khalefa Abdurahem Elshgagi “Al Khani”,  Makhlouf Makhlouf Arhoumah Doumah “Douma”,  Nasser Muhammad Muftah Daou “Al Lahsa”, Mohamed Mohamed Al Salheen Salmi “Salheen”, Abdelbari Ayyad Ramadan Al Shaqaqi “Al Shaqaqi” and Fathi Faraj Mohamed Salim Al Zinkal “Al Zinkal” were unsealed in October.

    Since June 2020, hundreds of bodies have been exhumed from mass graves in and around Tarhuna, allegedly victims of crimes amounting to war crimes, including murder, torture, sexual violence and rape.

    Briefing ambassadors on the Security Council from the Libyan capital Tripoli, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan spoke of his meetings and interactions with families of the victims.

    “Today, one individual said something very simple and very true, that every household in Tarhuna has a victim. Every person that detailed a loss has suffered an end to their universe, and heartbreak was palpable and sincere,” he said.

    He also relayed their “steely determination”.

    “They have a clear conviction – the justice and accountability and fair processes are essential for themselves, their families, their community and for Libya at large,” he added, stressing the importance of international support to execute the warrants.

    He called for the assistance of the Security Council, State Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, and other non-State Parties to ensure that the suspects are apprehended and brought to justice, in an independent, free and fair trial.

    Khan also highlighted a “new paradigm shift” that progress is possible, discernible and can be identified.

    He noted significant progress in investigations related to detention facility crimes and crimes committed between 2014 and 2020, adding that further applications for arrest warrants are expected over the coming months.

    Some of the applications may be secret to seize arrest opportunities, he said.

    Khan also highlighted the need for continued partnership with Libyan authorities to achieve these goals, citing positive outcomes of his meetings with Libyan officials, including the Attorney General and the establishment of a new mechanism to coordinate investigations and prosecutions.

    The ICC team has also intensified engagement with civil society organizations, noting that his team met with over 70 Libyan civil society groups and human rights defenders and discussed their expectations.

    “[They] are not an appendage [but] at the heart of our discussions,” Khan said.

    Karim Khan (on screen), Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in Libya.

    He, however, recalled the roadmap for completing the investigative stage of the judicial process.

    “I believe, collectively through these combined activities, these plans are working,” he said, stressing that the “hopes, expectations and steely determination of victims need to be at the forefront.”

    While there are many challenges and the next steps will not be straightforward, he expressed his belief that there is space to develop solutions to problem that has plagued Libya for over 13 years.

    While not a UN organization, the ICC has a cooperation agreement with the United Nations. When a situation is not within the Court’s jurisdiction, the Security Council can refer the situation to the ICC granting it jurisdiction.

    The situation in Libya was referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the Security Council in resolution 1970, adopted in February 2011.

    In March, the Prosecutor announced the decision to open an investigation.

    In that resolution, the Council also imposed targeted sanctions, including a travel ban on President Muammar Al-Qadhafi and other senior figures in his administration, including some family members. (NAN) 

  • U.S., France, others differ over ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders

    U.S., France, others differ over ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders

    United States (U.S.) President Joe Biden has rejected accusations against the Israeli leadership that it is committing genocide in its fight against Palestinian militant organisation, Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

    But, France, Belgium and other European allies have expressed support for the ICC amid demands from the U.S. to drop accusations of war crimes against Israel.

    “Contrary to allegations against Israel made by the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide. We reject that,” Biden said.

    On Monday, International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Joav Galant for alleged crimes against humanity.

    Read Also: Army probes attacks on soldiers at Abuja Banex plaza

    The request for warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant relates to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip beginning on October 8, a day after Hamas militants launched their unprecedented attack on Israel.

     Among the allegations are “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” and “intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population,” a statement from Khan’s office said.

    Arrest warrants were also requested for the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yehya al-Sinwar, and other representatives of the militant organisation.

    But, French foreign ministry said: “France supports the International Criminal Court, its independence and the fight against impunity in all situations”

  • Wike shuts down ICC for eight months over poor maintenance

    Wike shuts down ICC for eight months over poor maintenance

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday shut down the International Conference Centre (ICC) for eight months for lack of maintenance.

    The minister, who announced this after inspecting the facility, cancelled all events and activities booked at the venue.

    Expressing disappointment at the state of the facility during the inspection, Wike queried why the contract for the maintenance of such an edifice was handed over to what he called an incompetent company.

    He announced that with immediate effect, the contract for the comprehensive renovation of the International Conference Center had been awarded to Julius Berger for a period of eight months.

    Read Also: Wike shuts ICC for eight month over poor maintenance

    The minister announced that the facility will be handed back to the Abuja Investment Company Limited after renovation.

    Last week, Wike revoked the contract of the previous contractors, Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Limited, and awarded the contract to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for “the immediate comprehensive renovation” of the ICC.

    He said: “It is very unfortunate. So many leaders meant well but those of us who have the opportunity to be among hide what will benefit at the end of the day and set back the whole essence of good leadership.

    “I told you we came here for the ECOWAS inauguration last week with Mr. President. No right-thinking human being would like to see an international location of that nature and would see the state of this facility and be happy.”

  • Wike shuts ICC for eight month over poor maintenance

    Wike shuts ICC for eight month over poor maintenance

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday shut down the International Conference Centre (ICC) for eight months for lack of maintenance.

    The Minister, who announced this after inspecting the facility, cancelled all events and activities booked at the venue.

    While expressing disappointment at the state of the facility during the inspection, Wike queried why the contract for the maintenance of such an edifice meant for international events will be handed over to an incompetent firm. 

    He lamented that on several occasions, the nation has faced avoidable embarrassments before the international community while using the facility as a result of  power outages, poor cooling system and the deplorable state of the place. 

    He announced with immediate effect, the contract for the comprehensive renovation of the International Conference Center had been awarded to Julius Berger for a period of eight months. 

    Read Also: I won’t disappoint you in FCT, Wike assures kinsmen

    The Minister added that the facility will be handed back to the Abuja Investment Company Limited after renovation.

    Wike last week revoked the contract of the previous contractors, Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Limited and awarded the contract to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for “the immediate comprehensive renovation” of the ICC. 

    The Minister said: “It is very unfortunate, so many leaders meant well but those of us who have the opportunity to be among hide that will benefit at the end of the day set back the whole essence of good leadership.

    “I told you we came here for the ecowas inauguration last week with Mr president, no right thinking human being would like to see an international location of that nature would see the state of this facility and be happy.

    “In fact during that inauguration Mr president drew my attention the system was very poor, we have gone round and you and I know that it cannot be accepted, no way we can accept this as an international conference center because there is not standard compared.

    “We can’t endure this embarrassment anymore, we are sorry to announce that every booking meant to be used here would be council as we start immediate rehabilitation of this center to maintain our international standard. 

    “So we have contacted the original contractors that built this place which is Julius Berger to come back, because if we had bought a new contractor it will take us time but since they have the designs and the drawings so that they can come here.

    “We believe that in the next 7-8 months we would be able to do something that people will appreciate, that means FCTA will take over the rehabilitation with Julius Berger and Abuja investment company but it will be a different system now”.

  • ICC gets list of 40 Israeli commanders for probe into ‘war crimes’

    ICC gets list of 40 Israeli commanders for probe into ‘war crimes’

    • Israel expecting another prisoner-hostage deal with Hamas next month

    A united States-based NGO said they submitted a list of 40 Israeli soldiers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation into “war crimes” in Gaza.

    “The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor should investigate as suspects for war crimes and crimes against humanity the senior Israeli commanders,” Democracy for Arab World Now (DAWN) said in a statement.

    The statement said the names of 40 Israeli commanders have been submitted to ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, asserting that these individuals have “taken part in, or who have direct command responsibility over operations that likely comprise indiscriminate and deliberate attacks on civilians, the use of starvation as a weapon, blocking humanitarian aid, and the imposition of the siege on Gaza”.

    Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director at DAWN, said that the 40 Israeli commanders “who have been responsible for planning, ordering, and executing Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment, wanton destruction, and mass killing of civilians in Gaza should be prime suspects in any ICC investigation.” ?

    “At the top of the list of suspects is Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. On October 9, 2023, Gallant ordered a complete siege on Gaza City, cut off the supply of potable water to the entire population of the Gaza Strip — over 2 million people, blocked the entry of humanitarian aid, and oversaw the indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza,” the NGO said.

    The list also includes Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian. According to the NGO, Alian is “responsible for administering the siege of Gaza and was responsible for cutting off the supply of water, food, and fuel in the early days of the war.”

    The list also included Lt. Col. Dvir Edri, the commander of the 460th Armoured Brigade, which DAWN said participated in combat operations in northern Gaza on Nov. 4.

    “Between noon November 4 and noon November 5, according to data published by the UN, 243 Palestinians were killed in Gaza. Infantry, combat engineering, and armoured forces like those under the command of Lt. Col. Edri have been documented attacking protected civilian sites such as hospitals, houses of worship, and schools,” the NGO added.

    Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, the director of research for Israel-Palestine at DAWN, said: “Israeli criminal law does not establish any type of ‘command responsibility’ for war crimes, which means Israeli courts never hold senior officers accountable — while it almost always absolves their subordinates of committing serious war crimes.”

    Official Israeli estimates indicate that another prisoner-hostage exchange deal with Hamas, and a humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip could be achieved by January, Channel 13 quoted officials as saying on Wednesday.

    The negotiations will include the release of some Israeli hostages in Gaza in exchange for a two-week humanitarian pause, setting free prominent Palestinian prisoners, and withdrawal of the army from certain areas in Gaza, the officials said.

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    Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reached Cairo on Wednesday for talks believed to focus on the cease-fire and the exchange deal.

    Egypt, along with Qatar, helped mediate a weeklong cease-fire in November in which Hamas freed over 100 hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of 240 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas and other groups are still holding about 129 captives.

    At least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7, according to health officials in the enclave. There’s also been widespread destruction of homes and other infrastructure.

    Israel says 1,200 people were killed in the October attack by Hamas.

    The U.S. said “very serious” negotiations were taking place on a new Gaza ceasefire and release of more Israeli hostages.

    Prospects for a deal remained uncertain as Hamas insisted it would not discuss anything less than a complete end to Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian enclave.

    Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh visited Egypt on Wednesday for the first time in more than a month for discussions with Egyptian officials who are seeking to mediate another truce.

    A source briefed on the negotiations said envoys were intensively discussing which of the hostages still held by Palestinian Islamist militants in Gaza could be freed in a new truce and which Palestinian prisoners Israel might release in return.

    Islamic Jihad, a smaller Palestinian militant group that is also holding hostages in Gaza, said its leader would visit Egypt in the coming days as well to discuss a possible end to the conflict.