New York, The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel Saturday welcomed the General Assembly’s decision requesting the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
The report submitted by the Commission to the General Assembly on October 27, 2022, concluded that “there are reasonable grounds to conclude that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories has become illegal under international law due to its long duration and Israel’s continuous measures to annex parts of the territories de facto and de jure.”
The Commission recommended that the General Assembly refer an urgent request to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s continued refusal to end its occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, which constitutes “de facto annexation.”
The Commission concluded that “Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories and discrimination against Palestinians are the main root causes underlying the recurring tensions, instability and prolongation of conflict in the region.”
In a follow-up report, the Commission made the “essential recommendation to request an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice.”
It said that a final clarification of the legal implications of Israel’s refusal to end the occupation would be “vital” for UN member states to consider measures to ensure full compliance with international law.
Source: Jordan News Agency