Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-02-26 09:39:00
The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice made a compelling case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestine as illegal and urging for its immediate cessation. In a landmark advisory opinion delivered on Wednesday, Dawda Jallow emphasized that the continuation of Israeli occupation undermines the fundamental rights and dignities of the Palestinian people as enshrined in the UN Charter.
Jallow pointed out that the international legal framework is built on key principles, including peremptory norms such as the prohibition of aggression, genocide, apartheid, and the right to self-determination. He asserted that any action by a state that violates these norms is inherently illegal under international law. In the case of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, Jallow argued that the ongoing infringement on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is a clear violation of international law.
Citing extensive and uncontested findings by UN mandate holders, including reports from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the region, Jallow emphasized the long-standing nature of Israel’s occupation and its detrimental impact on the Palestinian people’s ability to exercise self-determination.
Moreover, Jallow highlighted the notion that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories constitutes a regime of apartheid, which is a flagrant violation of international law. He emphasized that the prohibition of apartheid is a peremptory norm that must be upheld by all states. The Gambia’s position is clear – Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and must be swiftly brought to an end.
The Attorney General concluded by urging the ICJ to recognize Israel’s occupation as illegal and to mandate all states, including Israel and the UN, to work towards ending the occupation without delay. The Gambia’s stance aligns with the collective efforts of the international community to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law in resolving the longstanding conflict in the Middle East.
In a world where respect for international norms and the rule of law is paramount, The Gambia’s advocacy for justice and accountability in the case of Israel’s occupation of Palestine serves as a critical reminder of the importance of upholding fundamental rights and principles in the pursuit of peace and justice for all peoples. It is imperative that the international community takes heed of such calls for action and works towards a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
Read the original article on The Standard
