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ICC opens investigations into war crimes committed in Palestine

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda
BRUSSELS, March 3 (KUNA) -- The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda Wednesday announced that she has opened an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Palestinian territories.
"The investigation will cover crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court that are alleged to have been committed in the Situation since 13 June 2014," she said in a statement at the Hague where the ICC is based, noting that the investigation extends to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
"The decision to open an investigation followed a painstaking preliminary examination undertaken by my Office that lasted close to five years. During that period, and in accordance with our normal practice, the Office engaged with a wide array of stakeholders, including in regular and productive meetings with representatives of the Governments of Palestine and Israel, respectively," she said.
"Investigations take time and they must be grounded objectively in facts and law. To both Palestinian and Israeli victims and affected communities, we urge patience. The ICC is not a panacea, but only seeks to discharge the responsibility that the international community has entrusted to it," said Bensouda.
"In the end, our central concern must be for the victims of crimes, both Palestinian and Israeli, arising from the long cycle of violence and insecurity that has caused deep suffering and despair on all sides," she said.
In July 2014, an Israeli military onslaught in Gaza killed, 2,251 Palestinians, including 1,462 civilians, and on the Israeli side reportedly 67 soldiers and six civilians were killed. (end) nk.ibi