RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Authority has submitted a complaint with theInternational Criminal Court (ICC) over Israeli violations againstPalestinian children.

The move came as Israeli authorities extended the detention of 16-year-oldgirl Ahed al-Tamimi for the fifth time on charges of attacking Israelisoldiers.

In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki called on ICCProsecutor Fatou Bensouda to “exercise her legal authority without delay toprevent the continuation of crimes being committed against the Palestinianpeople.”

He cited the case of al-Tamimi, who was first detained by Israeli forces onDec. 19 as “another proof on Israeli policies and crimes” against thePalestinians.

“This complaint against Israeli criminals is a proof on the necessity toaccelerate the opening of a criminal investigation to guarantee fairjustice to Palestinian children and victims,” he said.

Last week, the Palestinian Central Council announced the referral of theissues of Israeli settlement building and Palestinian prisoners in Israelijails to the ICC.

According to Palestinian figures, over 6,400 Palestinians are being held inIsraeli prisons, including 300 children.