US: PA step to join ICC will have implications

The US State Department said on Friday that the PA application to join the International Criminal Court will have "implications" for US aid to the Palestinian Authority.

"It should come as no surprise that there will be implications for this step, but we continue to review," the official told Reuters.

The official claimed that the US assistance to the Palestinian Authority had played a valuable role in "promoting stability and prosperity" not just for the Palestinians, but also for Israel as well.

Washington sends about $400 million in economic support aid to the PA every year.

Under US law, that aid would be cut off if the Palestinians used membership in the International Criminal Court to make claims against Israel.