Palestinian FM Warns Against Israel’s Exploiting of US Declaration on Settelements

Hague, MINA – Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyad al-Maliki, discussed with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, the developments of ICC’s preliminary examinations in light of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declaration on settlements, warning against Israel’s exploiting of this declaration by taking illegal actions to speed up the annexation of the Jordan Valley, WAFA reported.

Al-Maliki also discussed the Israeli authorities’ policy of deliberate and systematic medical negligence against Palestinian prisoners, citing the case of cancer-stricken prisoner Sami Abu Diak, who died a few days ago following severe deterioration on his health.

This came on the sidelines of the 18th session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) currently held in Hague.

Al-Maliki stressed the need to open an immediate and urgent criminal investigation in light of the continued Israeli occupations’ crimes against the Palestinian people, and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s declaration that the US no longer considers the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as violating international law in total disregard of international law and UN resolutions.(T/R04/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)