In addition to the allegations submitted against Israel, Bensouda has also said she is considering opening war crimes investigations into the Palestinians themselves, which may turn the spotlight towards Hamas for their actions in last summer.'s Gaza conflict.The Palestinian Authority formally joined the ICC on April 1 after signing the Rome Statute, which granted them membership to the International Criminal Court.The ICC Prosecutor, not Palestine, decides whether or not to indict. To indict, the prosecutor would need to believe there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to convict - that there was essentially intent to murder, whereas many incidents in war are foggy and involve mere negligence or mistake.Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute or the ICC and, like some other countries which have directly or indirectly ignored the ICC, could choose not to give its citizens or evidence over for trials.Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
Palestinians to submit first files to ICC in hopes of prompting case against Israel
Files submitted against Israel may also prompt opening war crimes investigations towards the Palestinians and Hamas, ICC chief prosecutor has said.
