ICC ‘significantly progressed’ in preliminary examination of alleged war crimes in Palestine

According to the annual update, the Office “has focused its analysis on alleged war crimes committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 13 June 2014”, namely that “the Israeli authorities have allegedly been involved in the settlement of civilians onto the territory of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the forced removal of Palestinians from their homes”.
The Office notes that “settlement-related activities have reportedly included the confiscation and appropriation of land; the planning and authorisation of settlement expansions”, and “constructions of residential units and related infrastructures in the settlements”.
The report also notes “the regularisation of constructions built without the required authorisation from Israeli authorities (so-called outposts); and public subsidies, incentives and funding specifically allocated to settlers and settlements’ local authorities to encourage migration to the settlements and boost their economic development.”
Meanwhile, the Office states, “Israeli authorities are also alleged to have been involved in the demolition of Palestinian property and eviction of Palestinian residents from homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
“Moreover, Israeli authorities have reportedly continued to advance plans to relocate Bedouin and other herder communities present in and around the so-called E1 area, including through the seizure and demolition of residential properties and related infrastructure,” the update continues.
It concludes by noting that “during 2018, the Office has advanced and significantly progressed its analysis”, and that “given the detailed focus that the Office has given to this situation since 2015, the Prosecutor intends to complete the preliminary examination as early as possible.”