02/08/2024
Jeroen Bouman ICJ
In a statement Saturday Aug 3, 2024welcoming the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Archbishop of Canterbury has urged governments around the world to reverse the “deeply damaging trend” of upholding international law “in a selective manner”.
Archbishop Justin Welby says the State of Israel has been “denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope” – and that ending its occupation of Palestinian territory is “a legal and moral necessity”.
Read the full statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby:
The Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (19 July 2024) makes definitively clear that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful and needs to end as rapidly as possible.
At a time when the world is marked by increasing violations of international law – and commitment to a rules-based system is in question – it is imperative that governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions by the International Court of Justice, irrespective of the situation. International law protects our shared humanity, and safeguards human dignity and flourishing. To resist a world where actions such as torture, hostage-taking and indiscriminate violence become the norm, we must apply the law without fear or favour in all circumstances. But for too long it has been applied and upheld in a selective manner that threatens our common peace and security. Now is the time to reverse that deeply damaging trend.
Having visited our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters many times over recent decades, it is clear to me that the regime imposed by successive Israeli governments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is one of systemic discrimination. Through annexing Palestinian land for illegal settlements, depriving Palestinians access to their own natural resources, and imposing a system of military rule that denies them safety and justice, the State of Israel has been denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope. I am particularly aware of how this is impacting Palestinian Christians, threatening their future and viability. It is clear that ending the occupation is a legal and moral necessity.
I pray that all UN member states respond positively to this Advisory Opinion by ensuring their individual and common actions are consistent with it – and pave the way for the realisation of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination.
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
Is the Archbishop confident that life for Palestinian Christians would be significantly better under an Islamic regime which would be the case if the Israelis withdrew? What is life like for Christians in other Islamic states?
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Good question Jeannie. Obviously I cannot speak for ++Justin nor do I have connection with him. That said, a few thoughts. No administration of any kind could be worse. The present Israeli plan is genocide, pure and simple. The status quo provides absolutely no hope for either the Palestinian people or for creation of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to refuse to even consider the legality of his action, variously supported by Israeli citizens is not only illegal; it is immoral. As for Hamas-supported administrations in Gaza, yes, there would be elements of coercion likewise unacceptable. Should other moderate Islamic states (rule out Iran here) find the ability to support regime change within the bounds of international law there may be hope. My thoughts. Thanks for your comment.
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My next question is, where does the Palestinian right to self-determination end? ‘From the river to the sea Palestine shall be free’ is the call for the whole land to be given to the Palestinians. What then for the 7 million Jews who live in the only Jewish state in the world?
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This is why acceptance of a two-state solution is imperative, contrary to Netanyahu’s stance. While the US supports 2-state in theory its actions do not confirm the intention. Negotiation is the only way forward towards peace. Any military action will simply entrench inter-generational hatred and acts of recrimination.
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And if the Palestinians aren’t interested in a two state solution?
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Game over. All we can do is evert whatever influence we have; check our investments; connect politically; consult Palestinian Christians; check out my blog today.
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I’ve often wondered what people mean by “genocide” in this context. What do you understand it to mean?
In 10 months of fighting, less than 2% of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, including Hamas operatives (the stated target of the IDF in Gaza) who invaded Israel and said they would keep invading until Israel is destroyed. In your view, does Israel have any right to defend herself?
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