THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan made an unannounced visit Friday to Damascus to confer with the leader of Syria’s de facto government on how to ensure accountability for alleged crimes committed in the country.

Chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court Karim Khan met Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday, state media reported, as last month's ouster of Bashar al-Assad sparks hopes for justice.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan held talks with Syrian authorities about prosecuting alleged war crimes, following an invitation by the transitional government. Discussions focused on how the ICC could aid Syria in achieving justice and accountability,

The ICC is actually equating Israel and Hamas, even as Hamas still holds Israelis and American hostages. It is just absurd,” the House Speaker said.

Khan’s visit included discussions with Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, marking a significant step toward collaboration between the ICC and the Syrian authorities.

Prosecutor Karim Khan held discussions on Friday with Syrian authorities on how the war crimes tribunal could help in their efforts to prosecute crimes allegedly committed in the country, his office said.