The International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, February 16, 2021. ICC-CPI/Handout via REUTERS
The International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, February 16, 2021. ICC-CPI/Handout via REUTERS
The International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, February 16, 2021. ICC-CPI/Handout via REUTERS
The International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, February 16, 2021. ICC-CPI/Handout via REUTERS

War crimes probe driving Israeli-Palestinian tension, US warns


James Reinl
  • English
  • Arabic

The US on Friday criticised the International Criminal Court for extending its jurisdiction to cover Palestinian lands, saying investigations there would deepen the long-standing enmity between Israelis and Palestinians.

Washington’s deputy UN envoy Richard Mills said the court's ruling earlier this month to expand its jurisdiction over occupied Palestinian territories would “increase tension” between the neighbours and “undercut” efforts towards an elusive peace deal.

His comments suggest a hardening of the Biden administration’s view of the court and follow revelations that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged US President Joe Biden not to lift sanctions on court officials imposed by the previous Trump administration.

The court move to extend its jurisdiction over the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza was made in spite of the “serious legal and factual questions that surround its ability to do so”, Mr Mills said at virtual UN Security Council talks.

“Such actions against Israel at the [court] increase tension and undercut efforts to advance a negotiated two-state solution.”

US State Department spokesman Ned Price expressed “serious concerns” after the Hague-based court made its February 5 ruling, which paved the way for investigations into war crimes committed by both Israelis and Palestinians.

Mr Mills’s comments at the UN on Friday used tougher language and came after the call from Mr Netanyahu, according to news outlet Axios.

The Biden administration had said it was reviewing the Trump-era sanctions, which were made in retaliation for the tribunal launching investigations into the Afghan and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.

Neither Israel nor the US is an International Criminal Court member and both countries have sought to shield their citizens from prosecution by the court. Still, Washington has at times supported the tribunal’s work in some countries.

Afghanistan and the Palestinian Authority are members of the court.

Tension over the court’s jurisdiction and possible atrocity probes into Israelis and Americans have presented an early challenge for the Biden administration, which says it wants to re-engage with the UN and other multilateral bodies.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
THE TWIN BIO

Their favourite city: Dubai

Their favourite food: Khaleeji

Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach

Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE BIO

Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13 

Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier

Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife 

What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents. 

Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.