By JOSHUA GOODMAN and MOLLY QUELL Associated Press
As the International Criminal Court's top prosecutor sought war crimes charges this year against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he was engulfed in a behind-the-scenes personal crisis. Karim Khan faced an accusation he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship, an allegation he has denied and court officials have suggested was part of an Israeli smear campaign. Two co-workers in whom the woman confided took the case in May to the court's independent watchdog, which ended its inquiry when she opted against a formal complaint. Sources close to the matter tell The Associated Press that the woman is now seeking an external investigation.
The U.N. human rights office is citing possible war crimes by Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in connection with a deadly raid by Israeli forces that freed four hostages over the weekend. Office spokesman Jeremy Laurence expressed concerns about possible violations of rules of proportionality, distinction and precaution by the Israeli forces in Saturday's raid at the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. Palestinian health officials say at least 274 Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, were killed in the operation. Laurence said Palestinian armed groups who are holding hostages in densely populated areas are putting the lives of nearby civilians and the hostages at "added risks" from the hostilities.
