The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas condemned Israeli rejection to cooperate with the investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it emphasizes Israeli bullying policy towards the work of international bodies.

Hamas Spokesman Hazem Qasem stressed in a statement, a copy of which obtained by Safa, that "The Israeli occupation behaves as though it is a state above the law."

"We see Israeli behavior in this regard as a test for the international community to achieve justice and hold criminals accountable," Qasem added.

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel considers that the ICC does not have the authority to initiate an investigation against it. Therefore, his government had agreed "to not cooperate" with the ICC.

Netanyahu headed a session of consultations to formulate Israel's final position on this issue, with heads of the political, security and judicial departments.

The senior ministers and officials decided to provide the ICC with a short response as possible. The Israeli decision was approved by the Minister of Defence Benny Gantz, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ICC's Prosecutor had issued a decision on March 3, 2021, to start an official investigation into the alleged crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since June 13, 2014, which states that Israel is suspected of committing war crimes.

Source : Safa