ICC entry may start war crimes probe

Palestine became a member of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, with a low-key ceremony at the court's headquarters marking the high-stakes move.

The Palestinian government would allow the International Criminal Court ample time to conduct an inquiry into possible war crimes during last year's Gaza conflict, but would make a formal referral if it took too long, its foreign minister said.

Riyad al-Maliki also said his government would have no hesitation in handing over any Palestinian suspects, including himself or other senior government officials, if the ICC asked it to do so.