ICC ruling means war crimes investigations go both ways
The International Criminal Court’s ruling that it has jurisdiction over the Palestinian territories has pleased many residents but alarmed others that Palestinian leaders could face investigations they fear will be political.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinians welcomed the International Criminal Court’s ruling Feb. 5 that it has jurisdiction to investigate war crimes alleged to have been committed in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, namely the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Yet the ruling also stirred concerns that the ICC could investigate leaders of the Palestinian factions in Gaza, such as the Islamic Jihad and the Hamas movement.
He added, “The people’s right to resist occupation is internationally recognized." If the ICC goes after Palestinians for resisting the occupation, it would be violating international laws and resolutions. "This would undermine the entire [judicial] international system, with unpredictable repercussions.”
Palestine formally joined the ICC in April 2015. At the time, most Palestinian factions including Hamas welcomed the move, with the exception of the Islamic Jihad. The Islamic Jihad's leader at the time, Khaled al-Batash, refused, saying the court and its rulings are politicized. “The court reflects the balances of power in the international community,” Batash said, expressing doubt that it could achieve justice for Palestinians.
