Indonesia Welcomes ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israeli Policies in Occupied Palestinian Territory

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia has expressed strong support for the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion regarding Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, emphasizing it as a pivotal step towards achieving justice for the Palestinian people.

In a statement released on social media on Saturday, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry highlighted, “This opinion addresses the aspirations of Indonesia and the international community in delivering justice for the Palestinians.”

The ICJ, in its ruling issued on Friday (July 19), affirmed the unlawfulness of Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, thereby upholding a rules-based international order.

Indonesia underscored the importance of all countries and the United Nations (UN) refraining from recognizing the illegal situation resulting from Israel’s unlawful presence in Palestinian territories.

“In alignment with the ICJ’s stance, Indonesia calls upon Israel to immediately cease its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory,” the ministry emphasized.

Indonesia further urged Israel to halt its illegal settlement activities and evacuate all Jewish settlers from the occupied Palestinian territory without delay.

Additionally, Indonesia called upon the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council to take into consideration the ICJ’s requests and to explore appropriate means and necessary steps to end Israel’s unlawful presence in Palestine.

“The international community and the UN are urged to collectively act on the advisory opinion and acknowledge the existence of the State of Palestine,” the Foreign Ministry reiterated.

The ICJ’s advisory opinion concluded that Israel’s settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory constitute violations of international laws and human rights norms. ICJ President Nawaf Salam emphasized that Israel’s actions amount to a de facto annexation of Palestinian territory, denying the Palestinian people their rights to self-determination.

The hearings at The Hague, held from February 19-26, 2024, examined the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Representatives from over 50 countries, along with the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union, presented statements during the proceedings.