England Stands by Israel at International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, is currently holding hearings on the legal consequences of Israel’s practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. Representatives from various countries, including the United Kingdom, have expressed their views on the matter.
Sally Langrish, the Director General of Legal at the British Foreign Ministry, reiterated the UK’s support for a negotiated two-state solution as the best way to secure self-determination for Palestinians while protecting Israel’s identity and security. She called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and emphasized the need for a sustainable ceasefire.
Oxford University International Law Professor Dan Sarooshi, speaking on behalf of the United Kingdom, argued against the ICJ resolving disputes through its advisory function. He stressed that the Court’s advisory jurisdiction should be based on the consent of states and not used to make decisions on contentious issues without all parties’ agreement.
Both Langrish and Sarooshi emphasized the importance of resolving the Israel-Palestine dispute through bilateral negotiations rather than through court rulings. They proposed a roadmap for negotiations, including agreements on borders, security arrangements, refugee issues, and the status of Jerusalem.
The UN General Assembly had requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestine since 1967. The questions raised by the General Assembly focus on Israel’s actions affecting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the legal status of the occupation.
While ICJ advisory opinions are not binding, they can influence international actions and policies. Past advisory opinions from the ICJ have had significant impacts on various conflicts and disputes. If the ICJ rules that Israel’s occupation is against international law, it could increase pressure on Israel and prompt countries to reassess their support for it.
Overall, the UK and other countries are advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict through negotiations and diplomatic efforts, rather than relying on legal judgments from the ICJ. The outcome of the hearings at the ICJ could have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
