World Court prosecutors questioning Gaza hospital staffers amid war crimes probes

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza’s two biggest hospitals, two sources tell Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators are speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip.

The sources, who ask not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject, tell Reuters that ICC investigators have taken testimony from staff who had worked in the main hospital in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, Al Shifa, and the main hospital in Khan Younis in the south, Nasser.

The sources decline to provide more details, citing concerns about the safety of potential witnesses.

One of the sources says that events surrounding the hospitals could become part of the investigation by the ICC, which hears criminal cases against individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

The ICC’s office of the prosecutor declined to comment on operational matters in ongoing investigations, citing the need to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.

The ICC has said it is investigating both sides in the conflict, including the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza.