ICJ RULING WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR U.S. TO USE VETO POWER
January 29, 2024In a recent interview on Al Jazeera, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, shed light on the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling regarding the situation in Gaza. The interviewer raised questions about the specifics of the ruling and its potential impact on the ongoing conflict.
Albanese highlighted the ICJ’s recognition of GENOCIDE as the denial of existence of the Palestinian people and emphasized that the court recommended measures representing a complete U-turn from Israel’s actions. These measures include a cessation of killing, destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly hospitals, and ending the starvation of civilians in Gaza.
While acknowledging the U.S.’s historical use of veto power, Francesca Albanese anticipated a different response from European countries, which she believes have a clearer stance on respecting international law.
BUT will this global pressure force Israel to halt its GENOCIDAL acts against innocent Palestinians?
The world watches and awaits justice.
Credits: @drkiranrahim
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English Script:
Al Jazeera journalist: I’m joined by the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese. She’s joining us from Tunis. Very good to have you with us on Al Jazeera, thank you very much. The International Court of Justice didn’t specifically call for a cease fire, didn’t address that in its ruling. How optimistic should people be in Gaza after this?
Francesca Albanese: First of all, it does dismiss Israel’s request not to consider the case. It does recognize the possibility that what Israel is doing might breach the genocide convention, constitutes genocide and the court has precisely referred to genocide as the denial of existence of a people, of the Palestinian people. And the court has recommended a number of measures that signify a complete U-turn compared to what Israel is doing. It means to cease killing of people, destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly hospital, starving the civilians in Gaza. So ultimately, what the court is ordering is that what Israel has been doing until now is brought to an end. And by recognizing the plausibility of genocide, the court puts a clear obligation, also reminds of a clear obligation that member states have to prevent genocide. So in my view, from a state responsibility standpoint, member states are called to put pressure for a ceasefire because there is no other way to end all this other than a cessation of hostilities.
Al Jazeera journalist: This ruling is binding, but it’s not enforceable by the ICJ just because of the way it’s structured. It has to go to the UN Security Council for any enforcement action or support to take place. How do you think that this is going to resonate with those allies of Israel that have been supporting it through the action it’s been taking? I’m thinking obviously, of the United States particularly, which has exercised its veto on several occasions.
Francesca Albanese: I think that it’s going to be more difficult to defend Israel’s stance. And it’s true that the United States have often used their veto power to prevent basic measures of justice. But I think it’s going to be different for European countries which have a clear stance on respect for international law. So I do expect changes but of course, those who are active in the human rights community need to remain vigilant and continue their action to put pressure on their governments. And I would say not just in the West. This is something that needs to resonate, as South Africa has shown us, needs to resonate across the world. But this is a global test for international justice and it applies to the West as to the rest, including Arab countries.
Al Jazeera journalist: Francesca Albanese, we appreciate you being with us onAl Jazeera, ma’am. Thank you very much indeed for your time.