Justice For All Submits ICC Claim On The Case of Ruqaya Ahmad Odeh Jahalin

Justice For All, a human rights organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations worldwide, has formally submitted a comprehensive document to the International Criminal Court (ICC) under the provisions of the Rome Statute. This submission is centered on the distressing case of the killing and wounding of Palestinian children in Gaza by Israeli forces, with a specific focus on the tragic death of four-year-old Ruqaya Ahmad Odeh Jahalin.

The incident involving the killing of Ruqaya Ahmad Odeh Jahalin occurred at the Beit Iksa checkpoint, north of Jerusalem. According to eyewitness reports cited by Arabs48, Israeli security forces opened fire on two vehicles passing through the checkpoint, resulting in the injury of a man and a woman in the same vehicle, both of whom later succumbed to their injuries as confirmed by Israeli media.

Additionally, a child from the other vehicle was shot and later died from her injuries, with Israeli ambulance staff identifying her as four-year-old Ruqaya Ahmed Odeh Abu Dahuk Jahalin.

Moreover, Ruqaya’s body was not released to her father for 9 days.

This action by Israeli forces, as detailed in our submission, represents a serious breach of international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute, particularly highlighting violations such as “Willful killing” and “Intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects,” which are not military objectives as outlined under Article 8(2)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Rome Statute. Moreover, these actions also contravene the war crimes stipulated in Article 8(2)(e)(i) and (ii), including “Violence to life and person” and “Committing outrages upon personal dignity.”

Our legal argumentation emphasizes the breach of the principles of distinction and proportionality, which are cornerstones of international humanitarian law. The killing of Ruqaya Ahmad Odeh Jahalin and other children underlines a disregard for these principles, significantly impacting the civilian population and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Given the evidence and the systemic nature of these violations, Justice For All implores the ICC to recognize these acts as constituting war crimes under the Rome Statute. We seek a thorough investigation by the Court into these actions, with the aim of holding accountable those responsible, including notable figures within the Israeli government and military leadership, to ensure justice for the victims and deter future violations.

For more detailed information and ongoing updates on this case, interested parties are encouraged to refer to the official website and communications of Justice For All.