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Hamas chief backs International Criminal Court bid

A Palestinian boy, along with supporters of Hamas, holds a representation of a rocket as others shout slogans to protest against Israel and to support people in Gaza, during a demonstration in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
A Palestinian boy, along with supporters of Hamas, holds a representation of a rocket as others shout slogans to protest against Israel and to support people in Gaza, during a demonstration in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) A Palestinian boy, along with supporters of Hamas, holds a representation of a rocket as others shout slogans to protest against Israel and to support people in Gaza, during a demonstration in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

By Associated Press 1 min read

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) – A senior Hamas leader says the group signed a pledge to back any Palestinian bid to join the International Criminal Court. Such a step could expose Israel – as well as Hamas – to war crimes investigations.

Moussa Abu Marzouk wrote on his Facebook page early Saturday that “Hamas has signed the paper” of support Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas requested before joining the court.

Hamas official Izzat Rishq confirmed the document was signed. Abu Marzouk’s post was reported on Hamas news websites. There was no comment from Abbas aides.

Abbas has weighed joining the court, but linked it to Hamas support. Accepting its jurisdiction could lead to war crimes investigations of Israel for its actions in the Gaza war. Hamas could be investigated for its indiscriminate rocket fire at Israel.