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Palestinians Sign Up to Join International Criminal Court after UN Rejection
(Washington Post) Ruth Eglash and Carol Morello - A day after a failed bid at the UN, PA President Mahmoud Abbas moved Wednesday to join the International Criminal Court, setting the stage for potential war-crimes complaints against Israel. The move could end up backfiring, opening some Palestinians to prosecution over the actions of Hamas, which the U.S. and Israel have designated a terrorist group. ICC prosecutors have made clear that they will investigate all allegations of misdeeds in a dispute, not just those of one side. That means Palestinians could be called to answer for Hamas' rocket attacks on Israeli population centers and the group's use of civilians as human shields. Congress also could take action in response. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said funding for Palestinians would be cut if they initiate an investigation of Israel.