ICJ Finds Israel’s Occupation of Palestine Illegal; Demands End to Apartheid

In the face of pressure from Israel, the U.S., and the West, the World Court has ruled that the Israeli occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, is illegal. The ICJ also found that Israel is committing apartheid against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). This ruling is not a revelation but a solemn affirmation of what Palestinians have been declaring for decades. The true measure of justice will be seen not in the proclamation of the law but in its enforcement. This landmark decision reinforced the illegality of Israeli settlements and Israel’s illegal occupation, asserting that no agreement, including the Oslo Agreements can override the obligations of international law. The World Court’s ruling mandates that Israel must: 1. End the occupation, evacuate all settlers, and dismantle the settlements and the wall. 2. Allow all Palestinians the right to return to their homes. 3. Provide full reparations to Palestinians. Moreover, the court has called on all countries and international organizations to end any aid or assistance to the occupation and to take decisive action to ensure Israel’s compliance with international law, and the immediate end of the occupation. Please keep in mind that all States which are party to the Fourth Geneva Convention are obliged to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law. This includes the United States of America. This historic decision validates the long-standing assertions of the international legal community and strengthens the global struggle for Palestinian liberation. It is a significant stepping stone towards ending apartheid, settler-colonialism, and genocide in Palestine. The U.S., by continuing to support Israel’s illegal actions, is further isolating itself from the international community and standing on the wrong side of history.  “Today, the highest judicial body in the world ruled what we all know to be true: Israel is illegally occupying Palestinian land and is practicing oppression and apartheid. This seminal ruling marks a turning point in the international fight for justice and the freedom of all Palestinians from oppression,” said Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid in response to the ruling. I stand firmly with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and justice. I am calling on my elected officials to uphold this ruling and take concrete actions to dismantle the structures of oppression and apartheid in Palestine. I urge you to stand with me and our larger community as we continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. We will not rest until justice is achieved.