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Canada’s Silence after ICJ ruling “Israel has no right to sovereignty over the occupied territory” exposed Canada’s double standards
7-24-2024
A “watershed moment” in Palestinian decades long struggle against Israeli occupation. Although non-binding, the 15 judges panel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that “Israel has no right to sovereignty over the occupied territory., has violated international laws against acquiring territory by force and is blocking Palestinians rights to self-determination.”
Michael Bueckert, Vice President of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle-East (CJPME). “Regrettably, Canada has previously attempted to discourage the ICJ from providing an opinion on this matter, showing how it favours Israel with a double standard when it comes to the application of international law. Following today’s ruling, we hope to see Canada finally give its full support for the ICJ and help bring a rapid end to Israel’s illegal occupation.”
Its time Canadians demand from their government to stop playing favourtism. “CJPME urges Canada to issue sanctions on Israeli leaders in response to its illegal practices, and to support any further efforts by the United Nations to force Israel’s compliance with international law.”
Many western nations have stepped forward in support of the ICJ ruling, which concluded that the Israel’s occupation as Illegal and must be reversed.
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it respects the ICJ’s “role in upholding international law and the rules-based order”.
“We want to see concrete steps taken by Israel to cease the expansion of settlements to respond to extremist activity,” the government said in a statement, adding that it was still “carefully considering the detail” of the ruling.
Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib said in a social media post: “Belgium will always stand up for the respect of international law.”
Iceland’s The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ICJ ruling is “clear”.
“Continued Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is unlawful and so are its settlement activities. Iceland calls on Israel to cease all activity that violates international law,” it said.
Ireland’s Foreign Minister Michael Martin said he will work with partners in the EU and UN “to see how we can now bring to bear this authoritative opinion by the court to end … Israel’s illegal presence” in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Leichentstein The European principality’s mission to the UN said the ICJ “puts the rule of law at the centre of the settlement of international disputes”.
“We look forward to working with all States on the basis of the [ruling], in particular to ensure the full application of the right to self-determination,” it said on X.
Madrid said the ruling “includes important pronouncements … on the illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and on settlements, among other aspects”.
“The government urges the UN and the international community to take into consideration the conclusions of the report and to adopt appropriate measures in this regard,” it said.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said the ruling “affirms South Africa’s long-standing position that the occupation by Israel of Palestinian territory remains unlawful under international law”.
“There is now an additional legal obligation for all states to end complicity in Israel’s illegal actions and to act to ensure respect for international law,” he said in a statement.
Even United Kingdom, a staunch support of the Zionist Israeli Government issued a statement. The newly formed Labour government said it “respects the independence of the ICJ” and is considering the ruling before making an official response.
The Foreign Office added the UK is “strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence.”
A deafening silence by the PMO in Ottawa clearly indicates that the Canadian government will continue its double standard when it comes to Palestine-Israel, providing unconditional support to Israel.
It is deplorable that Canadians who prides themselves as peace-loving, law-abiding citizens of the world is being represented by a government who literally thumbs its nose at the Canadians and at the international community when it comes any form of criticism levelled against Israel, or international community demanding Israel to respect and act in accordance international laws. Is that too much to expect? Why Can’t Canada as member of the international community make such demands to a country it supports, economically and militarily?
Technically, this ruling pave the way for the Chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr. Karim Khan, to prosecute the officials behind the settlements.
The ICJ decision also confirmed the applicability of the fourth Geneva Convention to the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
The decision also confirmed that Israel is practicing system of apartheid against the Palestinians.
ICJ holds all members states at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council responsible for implementing International Laws, and enforcing ICJ rulings.
“In fact, the decision went further – demanding that the UN and its member states look into additional measures they can take to end Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT. This demand, in conjunction with the legal grounds of the decision, together form a solid foundation for sanctions to be imposed on Israel, as well as boycott and divestment measures — as it has been unequivocally identified as a rogue entity acting outside the bounds of international law.” Quoted the Arab News.
Clearly the biggest impediment to enforcing ICJ Ruling against Israel are the powerful western leaders including Canada. Collectively, the are responsible for allowing Israel to act and misbehave with such absolute impunity to violate international laws. Its time the peace-loving and law-abiding citizens in western countries to convey to their leaders that their callous and cowardice approach towards Palestinians has crossed all boundaries and is no longer acceptable.
All elements to impose sanctions against Israel and compel Israel to act as a responsible member of the UNGA are present in the ICJ ruling. The element lacking is the will of the western nations and its leaders. Now its up to the citizens of the western nations to demand their political leaders and their respective governments to respect the international laws, and avail the freedom and self-determination that has been stolen from the Palestinians for nearly six decades.
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