War crimes court opens probe into Palestinian territories

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court launched a preliminary probe Friday that could clear the way for a full-scale investigation into possible war crimes in Palestinian territories — plunging the court into the most politically charged conflict it has ever tackled. Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement she will conduct the preliminary examination with “full independence and impartiality.” Potential cases Bensouda could take on include allegations of war crimes by Israel during last summer’s Gaza war where the Palestinians suffered heavy civilian casualties. Israel’s settlement construction on occupied Palestinian lands could also be examined.

The Palestinian people called upon us to go to court and ask for an investigation and therefore we consider the announcement today as a historic event.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki

The prosecutor’s announcement comes after the Palestinian Authority acceded to The Hague-based court’s founding treaty and recognized its jurisdiction dating back to July, the eve of the last Gaza war. That move opened the door to an ICC investigation that could target possible crimes by both Israel, which is not a member of the court, and Palestinians. A preliminary examination is not an investigation, but weighs information about possible crimes and jurisdiction issues to establish whether a full investigation is merited. Joining the ICC is part of a broader Palestinian strategy to pressure Israel into withdrawing from the occupied territories and agreeing to Palestinian statehood. It is unclear how long the preliminary examination might take.

It is scandalous that just a few days after terrorists slaughtered Jews in France, the prosecutor of the ICC opens a probe against the state of Israel…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Middle East