By Justice Hub
Within the community who observe the International Criminal Court there’s renewed speculation about why Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has not yet signed his country up to the ICC. The question has gained new relevance and urgency with the current shelling and rocket fire into and from Gaza.
Human Rights Watch’s Sarah Leah Whitson has been vocal on Twitter, calling on Abbas to sign up, while Mark Kersten at Justice in Conflict points to the double-edged sword – would joining the ICC and referring the situation to The Hague also put the Palestinian Authority itself also in the firing line under international law?
From journalists on the ground in Gaza – for instance the BBC’s Jeremy Bowen, there are references to how the laws of war are being flouted.
So, should President Abbas join the ICC?
Photo: Khalil Hamra/AP
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