Skip to main content

US Vice-President Harris reaffirms US opposition to ICC war crimes probe in occupied Palestinian territories

US Vice-President Kamala Harris underlined Washington’s opposition to International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into possible war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories in a phone call to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.

She reaffirmed “opposition to the International Criminal Court’s attempts to exercise its jurisdiction over Israeli personnel,” and “emphasised the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” a White House statement said.

The ICC announced on Wednesday that formal investigations would examine potential crimes committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups including Hamas.

Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has promised the inquiry will be conducted “independently, impartially and objectively, without fear or favour.”

But Mr Netanyahu has labelled the probe anti-semitic and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who could himself face charges, admitted that Tel Aviv was doing all it could to influence the ICC.

Responding to the ICC announcement, hawkish US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington “firmly opposes and is deeply disappointed” by the decision.

“Israel is not a party to the ICC and has not consented to the court’s jurisdiction, and we have serious concerns about the ICC’s attempts to exercise its jurisdiction over Israeli personnel,” he said.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today