ICC launches initial inquiry into potential war crimes in Palestinian territories

The International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary investigation into war crimes on Palestinian territories. The announcement drew an angry reaction from Israel. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has said the preliminary examination will be conducted with full independence and impartiality. The move could pave the way for a full investigation into possible war crimes. Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman condemned the move as scandalous, adding its main purpose is to try to harm Israel's right to defend itself from terror. The ICC announcement comes only days after the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced that the Palestinian authority will become a member of the ICC as of April 1st. Mahmoud Abbas has pledged to pursue war crimes charges against Israel for killing Palestinians during its wars on Gaza and violations in occupied territories. Live @ http://bit.ly/1vSsqKr Twitter @ http://bit.ly/1scKgco LiveLeak @ http://bit.ly/1vSsr0J Facebook @ http://on.fb.me/1scKgcl Google+ @ http://bit.ly/1vSsr0K Instagram @ http://bit.ly/1uWOZMS