Pakistan is set to articulate its stance against Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict as it presents its case in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) today.
Reports from various foreign news agencies indicated that the ICJ, holding public hearings at the Peace Palace in The Hague from February 19th to 26th, will be the platform where Pakistan's position regarding Israeli policies concerning Palestine, particularly East Jerusalem, will be advocated.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office of Pakistan confirmed that Law and Justice Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam will be the representative voicing Pakistan's concerns at the ICJ this evening.
The focus of Pakistan's position is anticipated to highlight the alleged illegalities of Israel's rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including accusations of racism, genocide, and other crimes against Palestinians.
The hearings at the ICJ have seen various delegations presenting their grievances against Israel. On Monday, representatives speaking for the Palestinians accused Israel of illegal occupation and perpetration of crimes against humanity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Similarly, the South African delegation echoed similar sentiments on Tuesday, alleging grave violations committed by Israel.
Notably, Israel has opted not to send any delegation to defend itself against these accusations.
China advocates for Palestinian Justice at ICJ hearing
China passionately asserted the necessity of justice for Palestinians during a session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Ma Xinmin, China's Foreign Ministry's legal adviser, emphasized that justice, though delayed, must not be denied to the Palestinians, whose rights have been overlooked for far too long.
With firm conviction, Xinmin stated, "Fifty-seven years have passed since Israel began its occupation of the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories).
The unlawful nature of the occupation and sovereignty over the occupied territories remain unchanged." China's stance countered the United States' assertion that the issue should be considered a bilateral matter between Israel and Palestine, arguing that the UN should indeed address the self-determination of the Palestinian people.
Joining China in advocating for Palestinian rights, representatives from Ireland, Japan, and Jordan presented compelling arguments at the ICJ hearing.
Ireland condemned Israel's actions as serious breaches of international law, while Japan reaffirmed the necessity of a two-state solution for enduring peace. Jordan, a key critic of the occupation and custodian of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, stressed the imperative for the Israeli occupation to end for the Palestinian right to self-determination to be realized.
