International Submissions on Israeli Occupation: UN Court to Give Advisory Opinion

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The UN General Assembly had previously adopted a resolution, backed by the Palestinians, requesting the court’s opinion on the legality of Israeli policies in Palestinian territories. It also sought the court’s perspective on the legal implications of Israeli measures aimed at altering the demographic composition and character of Jerusalem, and how these policies affect the legal status of Israel’s occupation.

Israel expressed strong opposition to the resolution, with its ambassador dismissing it as “outrageous” and criticizing the UN as “morally bankrupt and politicized.” The ambassador also deemed any potential decision from the court as “completely illegitimate.”

According to Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN envoy, the majority of submissions supported the Palestinian stance, but further details were not disclosed. The next steps involve countries making counterarguments or additional submissions by October 25. The court will then schedule oral arguments, deliberate, and ultimately render an opinion. Mansour estimates that the court’s decision might be delivered sometime in the spring of the following year.

While the court’s rulings are not legally binding, they carry significant weight in influencing international opinion. In the past, the court ruled on the legality of an Israeli-built separation barrier during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2004, declaring it “contrary to international law.” Despite the ruling, Israel ignored the decision, stating that the barrier was essential for security purposes.

The General Assembly’s December resolution demands Israel’s compliance with the court’s ruling, insisting on the dismantling of the wall and the payment of reparations for damages caused by its construction.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from Israel’s capture of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians desire all three areas for their independent state, while Israel considers the West Bank as disputed territory and has established numerous settlements housing approximately 500,000 Jewish settlers. Israel also annexed East Jerusalem and claims the entire city as its capital. However, the United Nations and the international community widely view the settlements and Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem as illegal.

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More about Israeli occupation

• The Guardian – Vast majority of submissions to UN body on Israeli occupation favor them, Palestinians say
• United Nations International Court of Justice
• United Nations General Assembly
• Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• United Nations Security Council