Analysis: Why is the International Criminal Court in Contact with Hamas Terrorists' Families?

"While the full picture still is unclear, indications have begun to suggest the existence of back channel contact between the International Criminal Court prosecutor and Hamas.

The first sign came from Hamas itself. On October 10, former Hamas health minister Bassem Naim distributed a picture of himself, allegedly talking with the ICC delegation via video conference, during one of its visits to Israel and the West Bank, a visit in which Gaza was notably skipped.

That is interesting, because the delegation leader, Phakiso Mochochoko, in an October 7 interview with The Jerusalem Post, claimed that the Gaza visit was canceled over safety concerns, and no contact with the armed group was made.

The next sign of a back channels came on November 9, when sources told the Post and an Italian publication, that ICC staff held off-book meetings with families of Hamas terrorists.

When confronted with the two different versions of ICC contact with Hamas, the Foreign Ministry, and sources which normally have something to say, at least off-the-record, were utterly silent.

The ICC also failed to deny or respond to the issue, despite their usual habit of giving nuanced reactions to inquiries.

Sometimes silence speaks volumes...

In the worst case scenario, from Israel's perspective, the ICC is preparing to eventually pursue its soldiers for war crimes, and wants a low profile for any activities that hint to that end, until it is ready to jump into action..."