[JURIST] The Palestinian government on Wednesday defended its record after documents were leaked claiming officials have attempted to misuse public funds. It is reported [AP report] the documents reveal efforts to fund a private neighborhood complex for government officials, pay for a official’s daughter’s schooling and pay for an official’s family’s medical bills. A Palestinian official who has remained anonymous has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked documents proving the allegations of political corruption to be true. The corruption evidenced in the numerous documents has lead to criticism from Palestinians who have now challenged all their official’s reputations and finances. Many have called for government reform to address the allegations brought forward to end any effort to misuse funds .

The Israel-Palestine conflict [HRW backgrounder] continues to be a significant international legal issue. Last week The Israel Defense Ministry jailed [JURIST report] an Israeli extremist for sixth months with no charges or formal trial. Also earlier this month Amnesty International (AI) released a report [JURIST report] that points to evidence of war crimes committed by Israel in the August 2014 retaliation for the capture of an Israeli soldier by Hamas [BBC backgrounder]. The attacks led to 135 Palestinian civilian deaths, including 75 children. In June Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said that he had presented documents [JURIST report] to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assist in the investigation of alleged Israeli war crimes. Also in June a report released [JURIST report] by the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict found that both Israel and Hamas may have committed war crimes during the conflict. In May AI accused [JURIST report] Hamas forces of leading a series of abductions, torturous acts and unlawful killings against Palestinians.