The UN Always decides against Israel.
In a supposed landmark decision, the United Nations’ top court has declared Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as “unlawful,” demanding an immediate cessation of settlement construction. This sweeping condemnation from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) strikes at the heart of a contentious and long-standing geopolitical conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly denounced the opinion from the 15-judge panel, asserting that these territories are intrinsic to the Jewish historical homeland. Despite the nonbinding nature of the ruling, its broad implications could sway international opinion and bolster moves toward recognizing a Palestinian state.
BREAKING:
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel is systematically discriminating against Palestinians.pic.twitter.com/Wm6DdE1t3Y
— sarah (@sahouraxo) July 19, 2024
The ICJ highlighted a litany of violations, including the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the exploitation of natural resources, annexation attempts, and discriminatory practices against Palestinians. The court unequivocally stated that Israel has no sovereignty in these areas, violating international laws against territory acquisition by force, and obstructing Palestinian self-determination. The judges called for an immediate halt to settlement activities and the dismantling of existing settlements.
Israel’s “abuse of its status as the occupying power” renders its presence in the occupied Palestinian territories unlawful, the court emphasized, urging a rapid end to this situation. This ruling came at the behest of the U.N. General Assembly, following a request from Palestinian representatives, and coincides with the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, triggered by Hamas-led attacks on October 7.
Netanyahu’s government, often viewing international tribunals with skepticism, did not send legal representatives to the hearings, opting instead to submit written comments. Israeli officials argue that the court’s involvement could derail the already stagnant peace process, which has seen little progress in over a decade.
🔴PALESTINE 🇵🇸| #Justice: the International Court of Justice #ICJ declares the presence of #Israel on Palestinian territory illegal. For the @CIJ_ICJ, the State of Israel is an occupying power in #Gaza. #Gaza_under_attack#GazaWar pic.twitter.com/wr3r9clFKo
— Nanana365 (@nanana365media) July 19, 2024
“The Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land,” Netanyahu declared, reaffirming Israel’s historical and legal claims over the territories. Conversely, Palestinian officials celebrated the ICJ’s opinion as a pivotal moment for justice and international law, urging global adherence to the court’s findings.
Hamas welcomed the decision, calling for concrete actions to address the occupation. Israel seized the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza during the 1967 Mideast war. Palestinians seek these regions for an independent state, whereas Israel views the West Bank as disputed territory, bolstering its control through extensive settlement construction. East Jerusalem has been annexed, though this move lacks international recognition, and Israel maintains a blockade on Gaza, which it withdrew from in 2005 following Hamas’ rise to power in 2007.
The ICJ assessed the facts and the law and ruled in favor of humanity, morality, and legality. Watch the historic moment when the ICJ declared Israel’s presence in Palestine as unlawful. pic.twitter.com/CHhQE5xFyv
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) July 19, 2024
The court’s decision exposes the complexities and contradictions of Israel’s administration over these territories. Although Israel has not formally annexed the West Bank, it has treated it as an extension of its own land, encouraging settlement growth. This ruling challenges the legitimacy of such policies and could lead to increased international recognition of a Palestinian state.
Previous ICJ rulings, like the 2004 judgment against Israel’s West Bank separation barrier, have similarly highlighted violations of international law. This latest decision reiterates the call for Palestinian self-determination and the end of Israeli settlement activities.
The ruling also comes against the backdrop of Israel’s fierce military campaign in Gaza, spurred by Hamas attacks on southern Israel. In a parallel case, the ICJ is considering a South African claim that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, a charge Israel vehemently denies. The court advised the U.N. General Assembly and Security Council to contemplate the specific steps required to terminate Israel’s presence in these territories, notwithstanding the U.S. veto power.
Major Points’
- The ICJ ruled that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is “unlawful,” calling for an immediate stop to settlement construction.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the ruling, asserting historical claims over the territories.
- The court cited various violations of international law and obstructions to Palestinian self-determination.
- This decision could shift international perspectives and support the recognition of a Palestinian state.
- The ruling challenges Israel’s settlement policies and underscores the need for Palestinian self-determination.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
