CRI听力:Palestine Officially Joins ICC

The Palestinian Authority officially became a member of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat is describing it as a day of historical significance to the Palestinian People.

"We are trying to make sure that the crimes committed against our people in Gaza last summer, which led to the killing and wounding of 12,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, displacement of 500,000 Palestinians - we want to ensure that these crimes are not recommitted. We want to make sure that there is non-reoccurrence of such crimes against our people"

The Palestinian membership in the ICC takes effect at a time when the chances of resuming negotiations on Palestinian statehood are seen as slim, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent election victory and tough campaign rhetoric.

International justice activists are hailing the occasion as an opportunity to bring accountability to years of conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki contends this brings them a step closer to ending a long era of impunity and injustice.

"In the face of the great injustice our people are enduring, and the repeated crimes committed against it, Palestine has decided to seek justice, not vengeance."

Joining the court is also part of a broader effort by the Palestinians to put international pressure on Israel.

Israel is not a member of the ICC.

However, its military and civilian leaders could now face charges if they are found to have committed crimes on Palestinian territory.

Palestine Liberation Organization official Ashraf Khatib says a Palestinian committee is already preparing to prosecute Israel at the ICC.

"The plan is to take (to the ICC) Israel's crimes against the State of Palestine, against the Palestinians, war crimes and violations of international law that includes the aggression on Gaza, and also the ongoing settlement activities in the occupied State of Palestine."

However, Dr. Jonathan Rynhold, an Israeli legal expert, is warning any Palestinian actions at the ICC may potentially backfire.

"Palestinians will get nothing from this in that they couldn't already get in direct negotiations with Israel. For them, it's a dead-end. They may be able to hurt Israel, but they will not be able to force Israel to give up anything in term of security or its vital interests that it would not be prepared in any way to deal in any case."

Israeli government officials have yet to comment.

For CRI, I'm Qian Shanming.