The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has led to investigations into potential

war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both sides. Here
are some ways in which the conflict relates to crime detection and
investigation:

Digital evidence collection: Israel is collecting digital evidence as part of

a war crimes and crimes-against-humanity investigation it is conducting
into the Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the October 7 mass
slaughter of a thousand Israeli civilians and the kidnapping of hundreds
into Gaza. This suggests that digital evidence may play a role in the
investigation and prosecution of war crimes.

International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC has jurisdiction over

potential war crimes carried out by Hamas militants in Israel and Israelis
in the Gaza Strip, even though Israel is not a member state.The ICC has
already said that there is evidence that war crimes have been
committed, both by Palestinian militants and by Israel’s response. The
ICC could investigate Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or any of the armed militant
factions for allegations of war crimes in Palestine or Israel. On the
Israeli side, the ICC could investigate the leader of the government,
Benjamin Netanyahu, and other officials who may be responsible for
war crimes
Commission of Inquiry: The United Nations Independent International
Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including
East Jerusalem, and Israel, has been collecting and preserving evidence
of war crimes committed by all sides since 7 October 2023, when
Hamas launched a complex attack on Israel and Israeli forces responded
with airstrikes in Gaza

The Commission is deeply distressed by the mounting violence and

spiraling death toll and underscores the urgency for the parties
involved to cease all forms of. violence and ensure that civilians
are.protected.TheCommission will continue sharing information
collected with the relevant judicial authorities, especially with the
International Criminal Court

Laws of war: Experts on the laws of war say that attacks on military
posts are generally not war crimes

.While the decision by Hamas to attack Israel can be condemned and

criticized as “wrong,” it does not in itself violate the rules of war.
However, Hamas attacked Israeli villages and a musical festival, taking
hostages and killing civilians, which is considered a war crime. The
Commission of Inquiry has been collecting and preserving evidence of
war crimes committed by all sides since 7 October 2023, when Hamas
launched a complex attack on Israel and Israeli forces responded with
airstrikes in Gaza.Reports that armed groups from Gaza have gunned
down hundreds of unarmed civilians are abhorrent and cannot be
tolerated. Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields
are war crimes

In summary, the Israel-Hamas war has led to investigations into

potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both
sides. Digital evidence collection, the International Criminal Court, the
Commission of Inquiry, and the laws of war are all relevant to the
investigation and prosecution of war crimes.

Transnational Crime: The conflict fuels various forms of transnational

crime,including arms trafficking, money

laundering, and terrorism financing.These crimes often transcend

borders,making cross-border investigations

essential to track and dismantle criminal networks.

Refugee and Humanitarian Issues:

The conflict generates a significant refugee

crisis. Law enforcement agencies need to address human trafficking,
smuggling.and exploitation, which often thrive in

such situations. Detecting andinvestigating these crimes is essential to

protecting vulnerable populations.

Use of Drones: The conflict has witnessed the use of drones for
surveillance, attacks, and intelligence gathering. Investigating and
countering the potential criminal uses of drones is an emerging
challenge for law enforcement agencies.

Public Safety: The conflict's impact on public safety, both in the region
and beyond, cannot be ignored. Crime

detection and investigation agencies must adapt to address potential

threats to public safety and prevent acts of

terrorism or violence.

In conclusion, the Israel-Hamas conflict serves as a real-world case

study that underscores the interconnectedness of

global events and crime detection and investigation. It highlights the

need for law enforcement agencies to adapt, collaborate
internationally, and stay informed about.

evolving tactics and technologies used by criminal elements. This

ongoing conflict will