ICJ to deliver opinion on 'Israel's' illegal occupation of Palestine
4 Min Read
Although the UN’s top court’s advisory opinions are non-binding, determining “Israel’s” occupation of Palestine as illegal could weaken Tel Aviv's international support.
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Judges preside over the opening of South Africa vs. Israel hearings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, January 11, 2024. (AP)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to issue its advisory opinion on Friday concerning "Israel’s" illegal occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, which was in process before the occupation’s war on Gaza.
The 15-judge panel will begin delivering their opinion at 13:00 GMT.
Although the UN’s top court’s advisory opinions are non-binding, determining "Israel’s" occupation of Palestine as illegal could weaken the regime's international support. The opinion, requested by the UN General Assembly, holds significance under international law.
Back in May, the ICJ issued a binding order for the occupation to halt its invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip following South Africa’s genocide case against "Israel", a command condemned by the regime.
More than 50 governments provided testimonies to the court in February alongside Palestinian officials. who urged the ICJ to order "Israel" to withdraw from all occupied territories and demolish their illegal settlements. Although it did not attend the hearings, "Israel" filed a written statement to the court saying that an advisory opinion would be "harmful" regarding any efforts to resolve the "conflict".
US, UK, Canada argue ICJ should not issue opinion
The majority of the participating governments urged the court to determine the regime’s occupation as illegal, whereas countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom argued that the ICJ should not issue an advisory opinion. The United States is "Israel’s" largest supporter and funder, especially amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Washington appealed for the court to hinder any advisory opinion and avoid issuing the unconditional withdrawal of the settlers and forces from Palestine.
Back in late 2022, the UN General Assembly asked the court to investigate "Israel’s" "prolonged occupation, settlement, and annexation" of Palestinian territories, such as the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Al-Quds, as well as the Israeli government’s related policies.
Despite the majority of the international community and the United Nations characterizing the areas as Israeli-occupied territory, Israeli authorities argued that the land is not legally occupied because they are on disputed territory.
However, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in 2004 deeming the occupation’s separation barrier around the majority of the West Bank was "contrary to international law," adding that the establishment of Israeli settlements also violated international law. However, "Israel" dismissed this ruling.
Israeli Knesset overwhelmingly votes against Palestinian state
The Israeli Knesset voted to pass a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state on Thursday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's potential visit to Washington.
Parties from Netanyahu's coalition and right-wing parties from the opposition, including Benny Gantz's State Camp party, co-sponsored the resolution. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in the Knesset, "The Palestinian State cannot be established because there is no such thing as a Palestinian people."
Knesset members from opposition leader Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party left the hall to avoid voting on the resolution, despite the party taking a strict position in favor of a "two-state solution."
The Israeli Labor Party, Ra'am, and Hadash-Ta'al were the only parties not to back the measure.
Earlier in February, the Knesset passed a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, however, the motion specifically addressed a unilateral establishment of such a state without "Israel's" approval.
This time around, the measure holds more drastic content, as it outright rejects any establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting Palestinians' right to statehood.
