Archbishop of Canterbury urges respect for ICJ ruling against Israeli occupation
The Church of England’s spiritual head has urged governments to respect the findings of the United Nations top court that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal, saying the law should not be upheld in a “selective manner”.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said in an advisory opinion last month that the occupation should be withdrawn as soon as possible.
Justin Welby – who also heads the worldwide Anglican Communion – said in a statement the ICJ opinion had made it clear the occupation is “unlawful” and must end.
“At a time when the world is marked by increasing violations of international law … it is imperative governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions by the ICJ, irrespective of the situation,” Welby said.
He added that it was clear to him from many visits in recent decades the “system of military rule” imposed by successive Israeli governments in occupied Palestinian territory was one of “systemic discrimination”.
Israel advances most West Bank settlements in decades: EU
Last year, Israel advanced the highest number of settlements in the occupied West Bank since the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, the European Union’s representative office in the Palestinian territories has said.
Plans for 12,349 housing units moved towards approval in the West Bank, the EU office said. Another 18,333 units moved forward in the planning process in occupied east Jerusalem, it added.
“The EU has repeatedly called on Israel not to proceed with plans under its settlement policy and to halt all settlement activities,” the EU office said. “It remains the EU’s firm position that settlements are illegal under international law.
