The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague witnessed a significant development on Wednesday as Egypt presented its oral argument regarding the UN General Assembly’s resolution seeking an advisory opinion on the legal effects of Israeli practices in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. Legal Adviser in the Office of the Foreign Minister, Yasmine Moussa, eloquently presented Egypt’s case at the ICJ, highlighting the country’s stance on the matter.
Egypt firmly asserted the ICJ’s jurisdiction to provide advisory opinions on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories while emphasizing the court’s role in supporting the pursuit of a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel. Egypt strongly condemned Israel’s orders to forcibly remove residents from Gaza, labeling these actions as ethnic cleansing. Furthermore, Egypt pointed out that Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention strictly prohibits any deportation of residents by occupation forces.
The Egyptian representative argued that Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories was a deliberate attempt to alter demographics and unlawfully claim sovereignty. These actions were described as colonial acts in violation of international law. The representative further criticized Israel’s measures aimed at changing the status of Jerusalem, deeming them unacceptable, and emphasized that the confiscation of Palestinian land constituted a war crime.
Highlighting the prolonged occupation, Egypt stressed that such a situation cannot comply with international law, particularly in light of the excessive force used against the native population. Egypt firmly stated that Israel has no right to seize Palestinian land by force. The statement emphasized that the systematic practices of the Israeli occupation are illegal and infringe upon the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Egypt reiterated that the West Bank and Gaza are integral parts of the Palestinian territories, with the former including East Jerusalem designated as occupied territory. The country condemned Israel’s denial of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, which is perpetuated through its continued occupation.
The representative from Egypt underscored the destruction inflicted upon Gaza by Israel and the resulting siege that deprives Palestinians of their rights. These actions were deemed illegal and unjust, and Egypt called for an immediate end to such measures, as Palestinians have endured collective punishment for 75 years.
Egypt demanded that Israel repeal all laws and legislation that promote apartheid and discrimination against the Palestinian people. The representative further highlighted the racism and discrimination faced by Palestinians at the hands of settlers.
Egypt strongly denounced Israel as an occupying power that displaces Palestinians from their lands and invoked the principle of self-defense in violation of international law. Egypt raised the question of how long the United Nations would address the consequences of Israeli violations without addressing the root causes.
The Egyptian representative urged the court to issue an advisory opinion to the General Assembly, clearly stating that the Israeli occupation is in breach of international law. Yasmine Moussa, Egypt’s representative to the ICJ, specifically accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid from reaching the Gaza Strip and expressed concerns about an impending attack on Rafah, home to over 1.3 million Palestinians.
Emphasizing the prolonged nature of the occupation, the Egyptian representative highlighted that Palestine endures the longest occupation in human history. The representative criticized Israel’s tolerance of violence committed by settlers against Palestinians and the ongoing expansion of settlements.
Egypt underscored that Israel’s continuous settlement activities erode the foundations of a two-state solution and peace in the region. The representative revealed that the number of settlers has now exceeded 750,000, intentionally altering the character of the occupied Palestinian territories.
As the ICJ continues to deliberate, the arguments presented by Egypt shed light on the country’s position and its commitment to addressing the Israeli practices in the occupied Palestinian territories through legal means in pursuit of justice and lasting peace in the region.
