Mexico and Chile today expressed “growing concern” over the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip after months of war between Israel and Hamas, asking the International Criminal Court to rule on whether crimes were committed in Palestinian enclave.

After the surprise attack of Hamas members on Israeli soil in early October, killing more than 1,000 Israelis, the widespread destruction in the densely populated Gaza Strip is causing international concern as thousands of people, especially children, have been killed in the conflicts.

In its announcement, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the ICC is the appropriate body to attribute possible criminal responsibilities for acts of “either the occupying power or the occupied”. The statement also cites “numerous United Nations reports detailing many incidents which could constitute crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC”.

Chile’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mexico added that is closely monitoring the South African appeal; which accused Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip and asked the Court to order an immediate end to Israeli military operations.

Mexico “believes that these actions (…) can pave the way for an immediate cease-fire and contribute to the direction of lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution that coexists within secure and internationally recognized borders’; the announcement concludes.