The leaders of Islamic State (IS) are unlikely to face war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement.
"The international community pledged that appalling crimes that deeply shock the conscience of humanity must not go unpunished,” said Ms Bensouda.
However, she said many of the leaders and militants of the group appear to have come from Iraq and Syria, countries which have not signed up to the ICC. "At this stage, the prospects of my office investigating and prosecuting those most responsible, within the leadership of ISIS, appear limited," added Ms Bensouda.
Individuals from states that have signed up to the court could still face prosecution though. "Some of these individuals (from member states) may have been involved in the commission of crimes against humanity and war crimes," Ms Bensouda concluded.