Palestine accuses Israel of apartheid at ICJ, calls to end occupation of its land
Feb 20, 2024
The Hague [Netherlands], February 20: Palestine has accused Israel of apartheid and demanded an end to its occupation of Palestinian territories in a hearing at the World Court on Monday.
Foreign Minister Riyad Al Malki told the UN's top court that his people were suffering "colonialism and apartheid" under the Israeli occupation, as judges weighed on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation.
"The Palestinians have endured colonialism and apartheid ... There are those who are enraged by these words. They should be enraged by the reality we are suffering," Al Malki said.
The ICJ is holding hearings all week on the legal implications of Israel's occupation since 1967, with an unprecedented 52 countries expected to give evidence.
Nations including the United States, Russia and China will address judges at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In December 2022, the UN General Assembly asked the ICJ for a non-binding "advisory opinion" on the "legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem."
While any ICJ opinion would be non-binding, it comes amid mounting international legal pressure on Israel over the war in Gaza.
The hearings are separate from a high-profile case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocidal acts during the current Gaza offensive.
The ICJ ruled in that case in January that Israel must do everything in its power to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire.
On Friday, it rejected South Africa's bid to impose additional measures on Israel but reiterated the need to carry out the ruling in full.
Judges have been asked to review "occupation, settlement and annexation ... including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and from its adoption of related discriminatory legislation and measures."
Source: Times of Oman
