Saudi Arabia has welcomed the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ICJ’s opinion, issued on July 19, 2024, declared Israel’s occupation of these territories as illegal under international law. This landmark decision has been hailed by Saudi Arabia as a significant step towards justice for the Palestinian people. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and called for international efforts to ensure compliance with the ICJ’s findings.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing strong support for the ICJ’s advisory opinion. The statement emphasized that the ICJ’s ruling aligns with Saudi Arabia’s longstanding position on the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The Kingdom views this decision as a validation of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and justice.
The Saudi government has called on the international community to take concrete actions to enforce the ICJ’s advisory opinion. This includes urging Israel to cease its illegal activities in the occupied territories and to comply with international law. Saudi Arabia also highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of Palestinians and ensuring their access to basic services and resources.
In addition to its diplomatic efforts, Saudi Arabia has pledged to continue providing humanitarian aid and support to the Palestinian people. The Kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause remains unwavering, and it will work with international partners to promote peace and stability in the region.
Regional and International Reactions
The ICJ’s advisory opinion has garnered widespread support from various countries and international organizations. In the Middle East, nations such as Jordan and Egypt have echoed Saudi Arabia’s sentiments, calling for immediate action to address the legal and humanitarian implications of the ruling. These countries have emphasized the need for a unified regional approach to support Palestinian rights and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Internationally, the United Nations and the European Union have welcomed the ICJ’s decision. Both organizations have called for renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution based on international law and UN resolutions. The ICJ’s advisory opinion is seen as a critical step towards achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
Human rights organizations have also praised the ICJ’s ruling, highlighting its potential to bring about meaningful change for Palestinians. These groups have called for increased international pressure on Israel to comply with the advisory opinion and to end its occupation of Palestinian territories. The ruling is viewed as a significant victory for international justice and human rights.
Implications for the Peace Process
The ICJ’s advisory opinion has significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The ruling reinforces the legal basis for Palestinian claims to self-determination and sovereignty over their territories. It also underscores the need for a negotiated settlement that respects international law and the rights of both parties.
Saudi Arabia has reiterated its support for a comprehensive peace process that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Kingdom has called on all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations to achieve this goal. The ICJ’s advisory opinion is seen as a catalyst for renewed efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.
The ruling also highlights the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia has urged the international community to remain steadfast in its support for Palestinian rights and to work towards a just and lasting solution. The Kingdom remains committed to playing a constructive role in the peace process and to supporting initiatives that promote stability and security in the region.
