Tunisia Hails ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israeli Occupier's Obligations in Palestinian Territory
Tunisia welcomed on Saturday the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of the Israeli occupier in the occupied Palestinian territory, describing it as a "historic step" in the legal recognition of Palestinian rights.
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia affirmed that this opinion confirms the "illegitimacy of the presence of the Israeli occupier" and its "total absence of any sovereign right" over Palestinian territories. It recalled having actively participated in the advisory procedure through a written memorandum and oral pleadings in support of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and international assistance.
According to the same source, the ICJ requires the occupier to allow the presence and activities of the UN, international organizations, and third-party states in the occupied Palestinian territories. It demands, in particular, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and providing health services to Gaza and throughout the Palestinian territories.
This also includes facilitating international relief operations, particularly those of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), prohibiting forced displacement and expulsions, and preventing the use of famine as a weapon of war.
Tunisia believes that these obligations highlight the flagrant violations committed by the occupier against international humanitarian law, human rights, and the United Nations Charter.
It strongly urges all member states to exert pressure on the illegitimate usurping entity to comply with the ICJ's opinion and to work towards the adoption of a binding UN resolution ensuring its effective implementation.
It reaffirmed its "firm and unwavering commitment" to the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to an independent state on the entire Palestinian territory, with Al-Quds as its capital.
