Amnesty International said that the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open a probe into Israeli war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) is a momentous breakthrough.

Matthew Cannock, Head of Amnesty International’s Centre for International Justice, said “Today’s confirmation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court that she has opened an investigation into crimes under international law committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) is a momentous breakthrough for justice after decades of non-accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

“The ICC investigation provides the first genuine prospect for thousands of victims of crimes under international law to gain long-overdue access to justice, truth and reparations. It also offers a historic opportunity to finally put an end to the pervasive impunity that has driven serious violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for more than half a century.”

“The decision sends a clear message to all perpetrators of crimes under international law in the OPT – you shall not escape justice,” added Cannock.

“We call on governments worldwide to offer their full political and practical support to the ICC as it begins its investigation, and we call on the ICC to immediately commence outreach to affected communities in the OPT and Israel.”