The International Criminal Court (ICC) has started preliminary investigations into possible war crimes in the Palestinian Territories, dpa reported. The process was prompted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to recognize the court under what is known as the Rome Statute, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced in The Hague on Friday, adding that an official investigation had yet to be launched. By signing up to the Rome Statute on New Year's Eve, the Palestinians recognized the court's jurisdiction retroactively to June 13, 2014, weeks before the most recent major conflict between Israel and militants in the Gaza Strip. Bensouda did not mention Israel or the Israel Defense Forces in her statement, but the move could see charges brought against Israel. However, it could also see charges brought against Palestinian militants for firing rockets into Israel. Bensouda said her office "will conduct its analysis in full independence and impartiality." -- SPA 21:21 LOCAL TIME 18:21 GMT تغريد
