LONDON, Saturday, August 3, 2024 (WAFA) – The Church of England’s spiritual head has urged governments to respect the findings of the United Nations top Court that Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories is illegal, saying the law should not be upheld in a “selective manner”.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said in an advisory opinion last month that Israel's decades-long occupation of the Palestinian territories is "unlawful" and should be brought to an end "as rapidly as possible”.
Justin Welby – who also heads the worldwide Anglican Communion – said in a statement the ICJ opinion had made it clear the Occupation is “unlawful” and must end.
“The Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (19 July 2024) makes definitively clear that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful and needs to end as rapidly as possible,” he said.
“At a time when the world is marked by increasing violations of international law – and commitment to a rules-based system is in question – it is imperative that governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions by the International Court of Justice, irrespective of the situation. International law protects our shared humanity, and safeguards human dignity and flourishing,” he added.
Welby referred to Israel’s decades of repression, institutionalized discrimination, and systematic abuse of Palestinians’ rights.
“Having visited our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters many times over recent decades, it is clear to me that the regime imposed by successive Israeli governments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is one of systemic discrimination. Through annexing Palestinian land for illegal settlements, depriving Palestinians access to their own natural resources, and imposing a system of military rule that denies them safety and justice, the State of Israel has been denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope. I am particularly aware of how this is impacting Palestinian Christians, threatening their future and viability.”
He stressed that “ending the occupation is a legal and moral necessity”.
“I pray that all UN member states respond positively to this Advisory Opinion by ensuring their individual and common actions are consistent with it – and pave the way for the realisation of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination,” he concluded.
K.F.
