THE HAGUE, Netherlands: At the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, ten nations have put forth legal arguments regarding South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, highlighting its unlawful occupation of Gaza.
Vaios Koutroulis, Belgium’s legal expert, denounced the use of violence against Palestinians, urging Israel to fulfill its legal obligations to cease it and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Addressing Israel’s settlement policy, which aims to alter the demographic makeup of Palestinian territory, Koutroulis emphasized its detrimental impact.
Assad Shoman, representing Belize, emphasized Palestinians’ inherent right to self-determination and complete independence, systematically denied by Israel.
Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, Bolivia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, asserted that Israel’s occupation of Palestine blatantly violates international law.
Maria Clara Paula de Tusco, a Brazilian diplomat, expressed Brazil’s anticipation for the court to affirm the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, stressing its breach of international obligations.
Ximena Fuentes Torrijo, Chile’s representative, underscored that resolving the plight of occupied Palestinian territory hinges upon adherence to the United Nations charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. She added that Israel’s policies obstruct the possibility of a two-state solution and sustainable peace in the region.
Additionally, South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh presented their arguments at the ICJ.
