When the Palestinian Authority joins the International Criminal Court on April 1, it will hold off on steps against Israel regarding settlement construction, Israeli media reported Sunday. The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported, according to Ma’an, that the decision follows Israel’s release of seized tax revenues.
According to the report, the ICC prosecutor has opened a preliminary examination on alleged Israeli war crimes during its devastating summer 2014 assault on Gaza.
Israel’s prime minister’s office announced, Friday, that Israel would release the funds it collects on the PA’s behalf and withheld as punishment for its move to join the ICC.
‘Tax revenues that have been accumulated through February will be transferred, after payments for services to the Palestinian population have been deducted, including electricity, water and hospital bills,’ a statement said.
Israel froze the transfer at the beginning of January, after the Palestinians moved to join the ICC, where they would be able to sue Israeli officials.
The decision came 10 days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reelected and subsequently chosen to form the next government.
Palestine formally becomes a member of the ICC in April and can proceed with legal action there.
According to the statement, the decision to release the funds was based on ‘humanitarian concerns and in overall consideration of Israel’s interests at this time,’ among other factors.
‘Given the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, one must act responsibly and with due consideration alongside a determined struggle against extremist elements,’ it quoted Netanyahu as saying.
Every month, Israel transfers to the PA around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports. Excluding foreign aid, these revenues make up around two-thirds of the authority’s annual budget.
World powers had called on Israel to release the funds, while a senior Palestinian official said withholding the money is an Israeli ploy aimed at collapsing the PA.
See also Abbas: Negotiations with Israel ‘Still On The Table’
