Powerful editorial in the @FT
“If there was any lingering ambiguity about the illegality of Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory, it should have been quashed by a landmark ruling from the world’s top court. In a detailed 83-page advisory opinion released last week, the International Court of Justice probed Israel’s activities in Palestinian lands it has controlled since 1967. The result was damning. …
“None of this should come as a shock. The UK, EU and much of the rest of the world long deemed Israeli settlements illegal, while the US considers them illegitimate. Yet the west has treated Israel with kid gloves, essentially giving it a free pass as it violates international law. Goods flow freely between the settlements and the west. When Israel unveils a new burst of construction in the West Bank, governments at best issue stock statements of condemnation. There was barely a peep in June when Israel announced the biggest seizure of Palestinian land since the 1990s. Such inaction feeds perceptions of western hypocrisy and undermines the notion of a just, rules-based international order. That sentiment has been exacerbated by the west’s failure to rein in Israel’s devastating offensive in Gaza.”
https://ft.com/content/dbc5901e-e6af-49af-8360-a828ab071827
Summary:
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion condemning Israel’s activities in Palestinian territories, ruling that these actions violate international law. This opinion outlines the illegality of Israeli settlements, the restrictions on Palestinian movement, and forced displacements, highlighting that Israel is obliged to end its unlawful occupation rapidly. Despite the ruling’s non-binding nature and Israel’s historical disregard for UN resolutions, the ICJ’s findings underscore the urgency for a reevaluation of international policy concerning Israel’s actions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict and the pursuit of a two-state solution.
Key Points
- The ICJ’s recent opinion determines that nearly every Israeli activity in Palestinian territories since 1967 breaches international law.
- Key issues identified include illegal settlements housing about 700,000 Israeli Jews and restrictions on Palestinian movement.
- The court concluded that Israeli practices equate to annexation of occupied territories, with severe implications for the possibility of a Palestinian state.
- Despite the ruling being non-binding, it highlights the international community’s obligation to address Israel’s practices.
- The U.S. and other Western allies have historically overlooked Israel’s violations of international law, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.
- Calls for a reevaluation of the West’s policies towards Israel have intensified, especially following the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- The Biden administration is expected to discuss Palestinian statehood and a ceasefire during a meeting with Netanyahu, amidst ongoing settlement expansion.
