Possible war crimes in Palestine to be probed by ICC


A probe into possible crimes committed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza last year has been opened by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The fighting claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Palestinians and 70 Israelis and resulted in the widespread destruction of property.

The decision by the ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, to start its preliminary investigation follows a declaration by the Palestinian government in January to seek membership of the Court.

Emeric Rogier is Chief of the Situation Analysis Section in the Office of the ICC Prosecutor.

"It means that the Office of the Prosecutor will now gather information on alleged crimes committed in Palestine since 30 June 2014, in order to decide whether there is a basis to open a formal investigation."

Mr Rogier said the Prosecutor will look at the alleged crimes committed by all parties during last year's conflict in Gaza.

He stressed that Prosecutor and her office act with full independence and impartiality.

SOURCE: Stephanie Castro, United Nations