January 24, 2013
JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Palestinian Authority has threatened to take Israel to the International Criminal Court over plans to build Jewish housing on a controversial land corridor near Jerusalem.

PA Foreign Minister Riad Malki said Wednesday at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Middle East that the Palestinians would turn to the Hague court if Israel follows through with plans to build 3,000 housing units in the area known as E-1, which is located between Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Maale Adumim. The Palestinians contend that the land is necessary to form their state.

"If Israel would like to go further by implementing the E-1 plan and the other related plans around Jerusalem, then yes, we will be going to the ICC," Malki said. "We have no other choice. It depends on the Israeli decision."

Israel announced its plans to build on the E-1 land after the Palestinian Authority won upgraded non-member state status in the U.N. General Assembly. With the enhanced status, the PA became eligible to apply to join the court.

The International Criminal Court prosecutes major human rights violations, including charges of genocide, and war crimes.