Members of the diplomatic corps listen to a non-binding ruling on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on July 19, 2024. AFP
Members of the diplomatic corps listen to a non-binding ruling on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on July 19, 2024. AFP
Members of the diplomatic corps listen to a non-binding ruling on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice in The Hagu
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry said the ruling “stresses its rejection of all measures aimed at changing the existing historical and legal situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, and all practices that violate international legitimacy resolutions, which threaten further escalation and tension in the region, and hinder efforts to achieve peace and stability”.
It also stressed “the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East, as well as to put an end to the illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state”.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign ministry said in a statement on social media platform X that the advisory opinion “confirms the illegality of the Israeli presence in the occupied Palestinian territories over the past 57 years”.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi described it as “a clear ruling on the side of Palestinian people’s right to justice, freedom and statehood” in a post on X.
“The end of occupation is the only path to peace that will guarantee the rights and security of all.”
Along with Egypt, Jordan is one of the few Middle East countries with established diplomatic ties with Israel.
However, it has been highly critical of the Israeli army’s conduct in Gaza, accusing it of trying to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
Jordan, which borders the Israeli-occupied West Bank, is home to more than two million Palestinian refugees, according to the United Nations. Jordan also serves as the custodian of Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, Al Aqsa compound.
The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Its forces were driven from Gaza when Hamas seized power in 2007, and it has no influence there.
Egypt, Iraq and Kuwait on Friday expressed their support for the ruling.
“The ICJ's advisory opinion deemed the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories illegal as it violates the Palestinians' right to self-determination,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit welcomed the ICJ's advisory opinion which “constitutes a key legal pillar in supporting the Palestinian narrative and boosting its legitimacy and credibility,” he said.
Riyad Malki, the Palestinian Foreign Minister, commended the decision by the ICJ to label Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories and settlement policy as unlawful.
“The ICJ fulfilled its legal and moral duties with this historic ruling. All states must now uphold the clear obligations: No aid, no assistance, no complicity, no money, no arms, no trade, no nothing. No actions of any kind … to support Israel’s illegal occupation,” Mr Malki said from outside the courtroom.
He represents the Palestinian Authority at the International Court of Justice, and other UN courts, and was in the courtroom when Friday’s decision was read.
The UN's highest court handed down its view, on July 19, 2024, declaring 'illegal' Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, amid growing international pressure over the war in Gaza. AFP
Hussein Shiekh, a senior official in the Palestine Liberation Organisation, called the court's decision “a historic victory for the rights of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.” He said the international community must listen to what the court decided and put pressure Israel to end the occupation.
Meanwhile, Palestinian news agency Wafa has reported that dozens of Palestinians have been killed in overnight Israeli strikes across Gaza, just hours after the ICJ ruling.
Elsewhere, the US criticised “the breadth” of the top UN court's opinion, with Washington saying it will complicate efforts to resolve the conflict.
“We have been clear that Israel's programme of government support for settlements is both inconsistent with international law and obstructs the cause of peace,” a US State Department spokesperson said on Saturday in an email to Reuters.
“However, we are concerned that the breadth of the court's opinion will complicate efforts to resolve the conflict and bring about an urgently needed just and lasting peace, with two states living side-by-side in peace and security,” the State Department added.
The British government, meanwhile, said it would carefully consider before responding to the ICJ opinion.
“The UK respects the independence of the ICJ,” the Foreign Office said in a statement. “The Foreign Secretary was clear on his visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories earlier this week that the UK is strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence.”
David Lammy, the British Foreign Secretary, also said the Palestinian Authority needs to be “reformed and empowered.”
Mr Lammy also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“This government is committed to a negotiated two-state solution which can deliver a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” the statement said.
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
