Palestine welcomes decision by ICC Prosecutor to proceed with investigation
The State of Palestine welcomes the announcement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on proceeding with the investigation into the Situation in the State of Palestine, said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
"This is a long-awaited step that serves Palestine’s tireless pursuit of justice and accountability, which are indispensable pillars of the peace the Palestinian people seek and deserve," it said.
"The State of Palestine reminds the Prosecutor and States Parties that the crimes committed by officials of the occupying Power against the Palestinian people are ongoing, systematic, and widespread. In accordance with the objectives and mandate of the Rome Statute, this calls for a particular urgency to promptly conclude investigations into these crimes, to ensure accountability, promote deterrence, and save lives."
The statement added: "All States Parties must refrain from politicizing these independent proceedings. They must also respect their obligation to protect the Court and its proceedings from interference and to shield Court staff, including judges, the Prosecutor, and their families from any threats or attempts at coercion."
It concluded: "The State of Palestine stands ready to cooperate with and extend all assistance to the Office of the Prosecutor and the Court during this investigation."
Meanwhile, Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, Hamas welcomes decision by ICC Prosecutor to proceed with investigation.
"We welcome the ICC decision to investigate Israeli occupation war crimes against our people. It is a step forward on the path of achieving justice," Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza, told Reuters.