News
Statement: International community must deliver on landmark ICJ advisory opinion
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, calling for an immediate end to settlement activities and withdrawal. It highlighted Israel's systematic discrimination and exploitation of Palestinian resources. Global leaders must take decisive action to ensure Palestinian rights and self-determination, turning the ICJ's opinion into tangible outcomes.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, encompassing the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, as illegal under international law emphasizing that Israel’s actions amount to annexation. The court called for Israel to cease its illegal settlement activities immediately and withdraw its presence from these areas as swiftly as possible.
The ICJ also outlined that Israel’s discriminatory laws and policies towards Palestinians constituted systematic discrimination and that Israel has illegally exploited Palestinians’ natural recourses and violated their right to self-determination.
Oday AbuKarsh, General Director of The Palestinian Association for Empowerment and Local Development—REFORM:
"We are encouraged by the International Court of Justice's acknowledgment of the illegality of Israel’s occupation and annexation of Palestinian lands. This confirmation aligns with our longstanding assertions that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory has always violated international law.
While this recognition is a crucial step, it is not enough. Palestinians have been stripped of their dignity and rights for over 75 years. This oppression is deeply rooted in the long history of occupation and systematic injustice. The war on Gaza, paired with a tightening of Israeli occupation policies in the West Bank, has made the status quo for Palestinians unbearable. Today, we witness these crimes in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The West Bank is facing harsh military operations, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of homes and civic infrastructure. Educational institutions are disrupted, and public health is catastrophically impacted due to medical negligence. The mixing of sanitary water with wastewater has turned our streets into dangerous zones, destroying the places where we once gathered and found joy.
The most vulnerable groups, such as displaced women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, face overwhelming challenges and vulnerabilities, yet, their voices and experiences are often sidelined, yet they are crucial to any meaningful dialogue about peace and reconstruction.
The time for bold and decisive action is now. The ICJ’s advisory opinion must be translated into immediate and tangible actions, this means an end to the occupation on the ground and the cessation of all forms of violence and intimidation.The challenges we face are immense, but so is our determination to create a better future for our people and land. The resilience of the Palestinian spirit has proven time and time again that we can overcome any obstacle."
Lilu Thapa, Executive Director of the Danish Refugee Council in the Middle East:
"The ICJ has confirmed what Palestinians have long known: Every aspect of Israel's occupation and annexation of Palestinian lands is illegal. Palestinians have the right to justice from decades of discriminatory policies and the right to self-determination.
The court outlines Palestinians' right to live free from violence and discrimination, yet this comes amidst the ongoing bombardment of Gaza, where schools, hospitals, and densely populated areas are routinely attacked, and amidst an escalation of violence, intimidation, and destruction in the West Bank.
Our partners and the communities on the ground are clear: statements and opinions are not enough. Action is needed, a ceasefire is needed now. The international community must use its leverage to ensure an end to the military aggression and occupation, to ensure Palestinians can lead the reconstruction of their home and to support Palestinian self-determination."