Pax Christi welcomes ICJ ruling on Israel's unlawful occupation and annexation of Palestinian territories

Source: Pax Christi International

Pax Christi International has welcomed the opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declaring the current and continuing occupation and annexation of the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, to be unlawful under International Law.

This historic advisory opinion, issued by the highest international court, states unequivocally that the actions by the State of Israel in the Palestinian occupied territories constitutes a "de facto annexation" which has been enacted through "systematic discrimination, segregation and apartheid". It called on Israel to immediately halt all settlement development which it said are "illegal and in breach of international law." The opinion also concluded that Israel remains "an occupying force in the Gaza Strip."

Among the six opinions and actions articulated by the ICJ is the admonition that "All States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by the continued presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory." Any support that enables home demolitions, land confiscation, settlement building, and concurrent infrastructure changes is contrary to this requirement.

Pax Christi International calls upon the international community, including individual countries, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and nongovernmental organisations, to determine all future diplomatic, economic, military, and political interactions with the State of Israel in light of this decision.

Find the ICJ Press Release here:
www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/186/186-20240719-pre-01-00-en.pdf