Global initiative launched to prosecute Israelis over Gaza war crimes

LONDON/ISTANBUL

The International Center of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has launched Global 195, an international initiative to hold Israel accountable for war crimes in Gaza. The initiative aims to enable the prosecution of war crimes suspects worldwide through independent legal groups, ICJP Director Tayab Ali announced.

Speaking to Anadolu, Ali said that the ICJP has been collecting evidence of war crimes in Gaza for the past 18 months, compiling a substantial amount of material in line with British criminal legal standards. He emphasized that this evidence establishes a clear narrative of war crimes committed by Israel, prompting the launch of Global 195.

Ali explained that the initiative's goal is to set up independent legal groups in every country. “We named the project Global 195 because there are 195 states worldwide, and we aim to spread this initiative globally,” he said.

The initiative will enable legal groups to use the collected evidence to file complaints with local law enforcement agencies. In cases where authorities fail to investigate or prosecute, these groups will seek private arrest warrants and initiate private prosecutions against individuals accused of war crimes.

However, Ali acknowledged that certain governments may continue to shield war crimes suspects. “For example, I cannot imagine the United States even considering prosecuting anybody from Israel, no matter what the individual did, under the present administration,” he noted.

“But that’s not the case for every country. As ICJP, we have traveled across the globe, engaging with officials at the ambassador, foreign minister, justice minister, and even head of state levels. There is an appetite to act, even if governments lack the ability to do so. Our initiative has been welcomed by multiple governments, and we will continue our work.”

'The aim is to bring accountability'

Shena Martinez of ICJP Canada highlighted the initiative’s purpose, saying: “The aim of this initiative is to try and bring accountability where governments are currently refusing to act.”

He pointed out that many foreign nationals from countries like the UK and Canada serve in the Israeli armed forces, yet their governments fail to enforce legal action against them despite potential involvement in war crimes or other illegal activities.

The initiative seeks to use private prosecutions to hold suspects accountable while collaborating with global partners to raise awareness and pressure reluctant governments to take action.

Global 195 Initiative

Led by the ICJP, Global 195 is an international legal coalition designed to bring Israeli and dual nationals accused of war crimes in Gaza to trial worldwide.

The coalition aims to build a global accountability network across four continents, ensuring that national and international legal mechanisms are utilized to pursue those accused. It also plans to issue arrest warrants and initiate legal proceedings against individuals involved in war crimes.

The initiative targets senior Israeli military and political figures, as well as others responsible for violations of international law. In select countries, the coalition intends to launch special prosecutions against individuals linked to war crimes.

Through Global 195, the ICJP is partnering with lawyers and organizations worldwide to create a movement dedicated to bringing war crimes suspects to justice. The initiative is backed by legal and civil society organizations from the UK, Canada, Türkiye, Norway, Malaysia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.