NEW YORK: Israel and other UN Member States must immediately comply with the authoritative determination by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, independent human rights experts said today.
The landmark ruling of 19 July 2024 declared that Israel’s occupation of the Gaza strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is unlawful, along with the associated settlement regime, annexation and use of natural resources. The Court added that Israel’s legislation and measures violate the international prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid. The ICJ mandated Israel to end its occupation, dismantle its settlements, provide full reparations to Palestinian victims and facilitate the return of displaced people.
‘Since the Court ruling on 19 July, Israel has intensified attacks on the civilian population in Gaza and their natural resources,’ they warned in a joint statement.
‘Israel must comply with this advisory opinion, and other ICJ orders i
ssued this year,’ they said. ‘Israel must stop acting as if uniquely above the law.
The Court refuted the notion that Palestinian self-determination must be achieved solely through bilateral negotiations with Israel – a requirement that has subjected Palestinians to violence, dispossession and rights violations for 30 years.
”May this historic ruling begin the realisation of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination, and peace premised on freedom for all,’ the experts said. The ICJ advisory opinion will serve as a critical tool to restore respect for international law, they added.
‘May the ICJ advisory opinion be the catalyst for renewed international action to restore and preserve an international order premised on respect for international law,” they said.
Source: Emirates News Agency
