Indonesia takes 'Israel' to court, files lawsuit at ICJ

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Jan 2024 23:38
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"Israel" is dragged to court once again, this time by Indonesia.

The South African legal team sits during hearings in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the request for provisional measures submitted by South Africa's Gaza genocide case. (Courtesy International Court of Justice)

Indonesia has taken legal action against "Israel", filing a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the Israeli entity's violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.

According to reports from the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Jakarta submitted the case to the ICJ in The Hague amid the ongoing brutal bombardment of the besieged enclave by the Israeli entity.

Earlier reports indicated that Indonesia had sought the assistance of a team of experts to draft a case at the ICJ, aiming to hold "Israel" accountable for its "policies and practices" in the occupied Palestinian territories. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized the need for expert advice to present a detailed legal opinion showcasing Israeli violations of international law.

Last week, Indonesia and Slovenia declared their intention to actively engage in the request for an advisory opinion regarding the Israeli genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.

This is happening as the ICJ is set to hold public hearings on February 19, during which Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and other involved parties will present their viewpoints on the legal repercussions of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

"Indonesia supports the efforts of the UN General Assembly to obtain an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice,” Marsudi said.

A flashback

In December 2022, the UN General Assembly voted to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding whether Israeli policy in the occupied territories violates international law.

Indonesian law expert Hikmahanto Juwana noted that the court's decision in this case is advisory.

The decision by Jakarta to bring "Israel" before the UN court follows the ICJ's initial hearing in the case against the ongoing Israeli genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. South Africa initiated the case with the tribunal in late December.

Although Indonesia has not joined South Africa's case, as it is not a party to the Genocide Convention, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that Jakarta supports South Africa's efforts to report Israeli violations of the Genocide Convention to the UN court.

The court's decision on South Africa's request for provisional measures is anticipated in February, according to Italian lawyer Tiersisto Mariniello, as reported by the Turkish news agency Anadolu.

A timeline of 'Israel' facing legal actions

In November 2023, Bolivia, alongside South Africa, Bangladesh, Comoros, and Djibouti filed a request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the situation in Palestine.

In December 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit against "Israel" at the ICJ, in which it described the occupation's inhumane actions since October 7 as "genocidal in character.”

Other countries that have offered to back South Africa's case against "Israel" include Cuba, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Namibia.

Countries followed in their footsteps

Slovenia also stated that it will join proceedings that seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ on Israeli occupation practices in Palestine.

Just recently, Mexico and Chile filed a lawsuit with the ICC, requesting that it probe crimes committed against Palestinians by “Israel”.

This is not all, as a criminal complaint has been filed against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, during his visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum. The move adds to the growing legal scrutiny faced by "Israel" in various forums.