International Court of Justice Rejects Palestine’s Request to Halt Israeli Attacks on Gaza
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has dismissed a request by Palestine to order Israel to stop its military operations in the Gaza Strip, saying it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.
The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, issued its decision on Friday, after hearing arguments from both parties on Wednesday.
Palestine had filed an urgent application on May 22, accusing Israel of violating international law and human rights by launching airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza, which killed more than 250 Palestinians, including 66 children, and injured thousands more.
Palestine also claimed that Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007, amounts to collective punishment and a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions.
Palestine asked the ICJ to order Israel to cease its attacks, lift the blockade, and allow humanitarian access to Gaza. It also sought reparations for the damage and suffering caused by Israel's actions.
ICJ: Palestine is not a state under international law
The ICJ rejected Palestine's request, saying it had no jurisdiction to deal with the matter.
The ICJ said that, according to its statute, it can only hear cases between states that have accepted its jurisdiction, either by treaty or by declaration.
The ICJ noted that Palestine is not a member of the United Nations, and has not been recognized as a state by all UN member states.
It also said that Palestine has not made a declaration accepting the ICJ's jurisdiction and that the treaties invoked by Palestine do not confer jurisdiction on the ICJ.
The ICJ said that the status of Palestine as a non-member observer state of the UN, and its accession to some international conventions, do not change its legal position as a non-state entity under international law.
The ICJ also said that the 1994 Oslo Accords, which established a framework for peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, do not give the ICJ jurisdiction to settle disputes arising from them.
Palestine: ICJ's decision is disappointing and unjust
Palestine expressed its disappointment and frustration with the ICJ's decision, saying it denies the Palestinian people their right to justice and protection.
Palestine's foreign minister, Riyad al-Maliki, said the ICJ's decision is "unjust and unacceptable", and that it "contradicts the reality and the facts on the ground".
Al-Maliki said that Palestine is a state that has been recognized by 140 countries and that it has joined more than 100 international organizations and treaties, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Al-Maliki said that Palestine will continue to pursue all legal avenues to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and that it will not give up its quest for independence and sovereignty.
Israel: ICJ's decision is a victory for international law and common sense
Israel welcomed the ICJ's decision, saying it confirms its position that the ICJ has no authority to intervene in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel's foreign minister, Yair Lapid, said the ICJ's decision is "a victory for international law and common sense".
Lapid said that Palestine's attempt to use the ICJ as a political tool was "baseless and frivolous", and that it aimed to "undermine the legitimacy of the State of Israel and its right to self-defense".
Lapid said that Israel is committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, but that it will not compromise on its security and sovereignty.
Lapid also said that Israel expects the international community to respect the ICJ's decision, and to refrain from any actions that could undermine the prospects of dialogue and cooperation between the parties.
