The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories, covering events including the 2014 Gaza war. The inquiry could place hundreds of Israelis, including soldiers and senior political figures, at risk of prosecution.
Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced the probe would examine crimes allegedly committed since 13 June 2014, conducted independently and impartially. The investigation follows years of deliberation over ICC jurisdiction and is expected to scrutinise both Israeli and Palestinian actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision as 'absurd' and 'pure antisemitism', while the Palestinian Authority welcomed it as a step towards justice. The probe will also consider rocket fire by Hamas and other groups, as well as Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank.
The ICC, a court of last resort, can issue arrest warrants if suspects are identified. Israel is not a party to the court, but the Palestinian Authority joined in 2015.
