Palestinian Authorities Urge ICJ to Enforce End of Israeli Occupation

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, in proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has made a passionate call to the judges to require an end to the decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Together with Palestine's UN envoy, academic experts, and legal advisors, al-Maliki presented the Palestinian case before the international community, fervently seeking justice and the cessation of occupation.

ICJ Hearings on Palestinian Territories

The ICJ commenced hearings in The Hague, beginning on a Monday and are scheduled until February 26. This legal examination is to assess the implications of Israel's occupation, which has persisted for more than half a century. Following a majority vote by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2022, which sought an advisory opinion from the ICJ, delegates are now voicing the concerns of Palestinians on an international stage.

The Key Legal Questions

Two primary questions dominate the proceedings: the lawful implications of the ongoing occupation hindering Palestinian self-determination and the impact of Israel's actions on the status of the occupation, along with the resulting legal responsibilities for all states involved. Palestinian representatives are presenting a case that argues Israel's strategies in the territories constitute apartheid, calling for international accountability.

Global Human Rights Opinion

Supporting statements have also come from Amnesty International, which condemned the occupation and called for an end to actions they describe as fuelling apartheid and extensive human rights offenses. While the judges deliberate, the ICJ's advisory opinion could serve as a legal basis for international dealings with the Israeli occupation, potentially shifting the global stance and actions toward Israel and its government.

Historical Context and Israel's Reaction

An earlier advisory opinion by the ICJ in July 2004 determined that Israel's separation wall in the West Bank was contrary to international law, although it remains constructed to this day. In response to the current proceedings, Israel, having decided not to participate, has expressed vitriol through official statements, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue at hand.

Palestine, ICJ, Israel, Occupation, Hearings, Justice