On December 21, 2019, the International Criminal Court (ICC) concluded a lengthy and extensive preliminary examination of war-crime related allegations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the ongoing forcible displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank.

 

The Prosecutor leading the preliminary examination concluded that the Court has “reasonable basis to proceed” but asked it to decide whether it has jurisdiction on the matter. 

 

While the ICC weighs this issue, the Jahalin Bedouin and many other Palestinian communities are locked into an untenable position. Their status in limbo, they have no legal recourse to protect their homes and livelihoods.  

 

We, residents of member state signatories of the Rome Statute of the ICC, and other concerned citizens, demand that the Court settle the matter of jurisdiction quickly and positively. If the Court cannot protect their rights, the international community must find an alternative such as recognition of Palestine.

 

This issue cannot wait. The machine driving forcible displacement grinds on. The lives of tens of thousands lie in the balance.