UN Assembly Backs ICJ Ruling On Israeli Occupation Of Palestine

Today, the United Nations General Assembly's ongoing 10th Emergency Special Session passed a significant resolution affirming the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion from July 19, 2024, which declared Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories illegal.

The resolution, introduced by Palestine and co-sponsored by 53 countries, including Bangladesh, was approved by a vote of 124 in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. As a co-sponsor, Bangladesh voted in support of the resolution.

In light of the ICJ's ruling, the resolution urges Israel to cease its unlawful presence in Palestine, beginning with an end to its military operations in Gaza. It also calls for the establishment of an international mechanism to provide reparations for damages resulting from Israel's wrongful acts in the Occupied Territories.

Additionally, the resolution requests that the UN Secretary-General prepare a report on its implementation and calls for accountability for the crimes committed by Israel, particularly in relation to the Fourth Geneva Convention concerning civilian protection.

The General Assembly also decided to organize an international conference within a year to explore ways to establish an independent Palestinian state. This resolution is viewed as a crucial step toward resolving the Middle East crisis through the implementation of a two-state solution.

During the session, Bangladesh's Ambassador to the UN, Muhammad Abdul Muhith, delivered the national statement. He described the ICJ's advisory opinion as historic and urged all member states to adhere to it. He expressed Bangladesh's deep concern over the ongoing violence and high casualties in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire in line with UN Security Council resolution 2728.

Ambassador Muhith emphasized that the two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders is the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East. He also acknowledged the roles of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in holding accountable those responsible for illegal occupation and mass atrocities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as commending the statements from the UN Secretary-General and the UN Human Rights High Commissioner regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.