ICC opens investigation into war crimes in Palestine by Israel

International Criminal Court ICC’s chief prosecutor has opened a formal investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories.

Fatou Bensouda said the probe would cover events in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip since June 2014.

Last month, ICC ruled that it could exercise its criminal jurisdiction over the territories.

Palestinian officials praised Bensouda’s decision.

ICC has the authority to prosecute those accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes on the territory of states party to the Rome Statute, its founding treaty.