Saudi Arabia Applauds UN Court Ruling Against Israeli Settlements
In a bold move, Saudi Arabia has praised the recent ruling by the UN’s top court that deems Israel’s settlement policy on Palestinian territory as a violation of international law. The Saudi foreign ministry released a statement expressing support for the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice and urging for concrete actions to achieve a fair resolution to the Palestinian cause. The World Court’s decision, though not legally binding, was issued on Friday.
A sign stands in the Palestinian village of Battir, a UNESCO heritage site in the occupied West Bank south of Jerusalem, which is now threatened by Israeli settlers trying to build a new, illegal outpost. (AFP)
Muslim World League Hails ICJ Ruling as a Step Towards Palestinian Rights
Additionally, the Saudi-based Muslim World League has lauded the ICJ ruling as a positive advancement towards upholding the human and legal rights of the Palestinian people to achieve a just and comprehensive solution to their cause. MWL Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, also chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, emphasized that despite being non-binding, the decision ensures that Palestinians can secure their legitimate rights to self-determination and establish an independent state in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The court panel specifically condemned Israel’s transfer of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as its maintenance of their presence, citing a violation of article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. This ruling coincides with Israel’s recent intense bombardment on Gaza following an attack by Hamas militants on Israeli settlements near the Palestinian enclave. Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem since 1967 is a point of contention, as Palestinians view these territories as integral to their future independent state.
A view of Battir, a UNESCO heritage Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank south of Jerusalem, which is now threatened by Israeli settlers trying to build a new, illegal outpost. (AFP)
Saudi Cabinet Denounces Violence Against Palestinians in Gaza
The Saudi Cabinet has strongly condemned the ongoing “genocidal massacres” targeting the Palestinian people amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Saudi Arabia advocates for an independent state for Palestinians within the 1967 borders. Efforts are being made by the US and regional stakeholders to broker a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel, which would involve the release of Israeli captives and a lasting cessation of military actions.
(With SPA)