Statement: The Elders call on global leaders to enforce the ICJ's ruling that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal. They emphasise the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the provision of humanitarian aid and a commitment to justice and the rule of law.
The Elders today call on political leaders worldwide, and especially those with influence on Israel, to enforce the historic ruling by the International Court of Justice and bring an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
They welcome the authoritative opinion issued by the ICJ on 19 July as a definitive statement of international law. The legal consequences of this should now be implemented in full by Israel, United Nations member states and the UN itself.
The ICJ, as the principal judicial organ of the UN, found that Israel’s presence throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, is unlawful. It further found that Israel’s policies and practices amount to annexation of large parts of Palestinian territory, and constitute a breach of its international obligations on racial segregation and apartheid.
The Elders note the Court’s conclusion that Israel’s security needs can never justify permanent occupation or annexation of territory. Successive Israeli governments have been violating the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by force, for more than five decades. (more...)
The Elders call for bold action by world leaders to end Israel’s unlawful occupation
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