International Law Sides with Palestine

JAKARTA – Minister of Foreign Affairs ( Minister of Foreign Affairs) Retno Marsudi also responded to the decision of the International Court of Justice (IJC) which determined Israel’s occupation of the land Palestine is an illegal act. Retno considered it a sign that international law is on the side of Palestine.

Retno revealed that this decision was a historic decision. Moreover, Indonesia also submitted an Oral View at the International Court of Justice, Friday (19/7/2024). “This legal fatwa shows that international law sides with the struggle of the Palestinian people,” said Retno in her statement, Sunday (21/7/2024).

Retno assessed that the ICJ has upheld the rules-based international order. Therefore, Indonesia also emphasized that it supports the ICJ’s view that all countries and the UN do not recognize the situation caused by Israel’s illegal occupation.

“Therefore, Indonesia supports the Court’s view that all countries and the UN should not recognize the situation arising from Israel’s illegal presence,” he said.

Indonesia also urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Indonesia also urged Israel to end the construction of illegal settlements and evacuate all Jewish settlers immediately.

In addition, Israel is also obliged to make reparations in the form of restitution and compensation, including returning the land taken since 1967 and allowing all Palestinians who were expelled from their homes to return.

“In line with the legal fatwa, Indonesia encourages the UN General Assembly and Security Council to fulfill the Court’s request to take appropriate steps to end Israel’s illegal presence in Palestine,” he stressed.

This decision, said Retno, is also an initial step to realize complete Palestinian independence even though Israel is still an occupying power in Palestinian land. Indonesia also invites the international community and the UN to jointly follow up on the legal fatwa and provide recognition to the existence of the State of Palestine.

“Indonesia once again calls on Israel to maintain its obligation as an Occupying Power to fulfill the basic rights of Palestinian citizens living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in line with the determination of the Court’s fatwa,” he said.

(abd)