UN experts have issued a stark warning, declaring that the international order is on a “knife’s edge” as the majority of States fail to act in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion, delivered over 50 days ago. The historic ruling deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as unlawful and called for immediate steps to end the occupation.
In a statement, the group of UN experts urged nations to uphold their international obligations, offering a series of actions to ensure compliance with the ICJ’s decision. The Advisory Opinion, covering the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, was unequivocal in condemning Israel’s actions as violations of international law, equating them to annexation, racial discrimination, and apartheid. The ICJ also highlighted the severe impact of these actions on Palestinian civilians, particularly women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
The experts stressed that the realization of self-determination for the Palestinian people cannot rely solely on bilateral negotiations between Israel, the occupying power, and the Palestinians. They called for Israel to cease its illegal settlement activities and withdraw from the occupied territories immediately.
“Despite the ICJ’s clear directives, States remain paralyzed and unwilling to meet their obligations,” the experts stated, emphasizing that the international community’s inaction is exacerbating violence against Palestinians. They pointed to Gaza’s continued siege and bombardment, and increasing violence in the West Bank, where Palestinians are facing severe intimidation and military assaults.The UN experts recommended that States take several specific actions to comply with the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. These actions include: reviewing and adjusting diplomatic, political, and economic relationships with Israel to avoid supporting its unlawful occupation; imposing a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel; terminating economic relationships and trade agreements that contribute to the occupation; recognizing the State of Palestine to enable Palestinian self-determination; sanctioning Israeli individuals and entities involved in the occupation, and prosecuting those under their jurisdiction responsible for crimes in the occupied territories; and disseminating the ICJ’s findings widely to raise global awareness of the occupation’s illegality.
Failure to act now, the experts warned, risks undermining the entire framework of international law. They called on civil society and human rights organizations to hold governments accountable and push for immediate action to end Israel’s occupation and ensure justice for the Palestinian people.
The experts concluded by stating, “The world stands at a critical crossroads: we must choose between a future of just peace and lawfulness or descend into an era where might makes right.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours