On 19 July 2024 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a landmark Advisory Opinion on Israel’s presence in the Palestinian land occupied since the 1967 war. The ICJ said that Israel’s rule in the territory is “unlawful,” and that Israel is obligated to bring its presence in that territory to an end “as rapidly as possible.” The Advisory Opinion said also that “the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as Israel’s maintenance of their presence, is contrary to the sixth paragraph of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention” that speaks against the transfer of population to or from an occupied territory.
The Advisory Opinion is consistent with all United Nations Resolutions since the beginning of the conflict, including the 1947 Partition Plan (UN General Assembly Resolution 181); and Security Council Resolution 242 calling for Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories and “emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war.”
The World Council of Churches (WCC), as a fellowship of churches, and predicating its stance on the teachings of the Gospel and on the principles of international law, has repeatedly called for an end to the occupation; for justice, peace, and equal human rights and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike; and for recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self determination. The WCC has advocated for these measures as the only viable path to a just and sustainable peace in the region. This stance was affirmed by the WCC 11thAssembly in 2022, held in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly underscored that “it is only through an end to the occupation and a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace settlement that the security of both Palestinians and Israelis can be assured.”
Unfortunately, Israel’s Knesset (parliament) was quick to reject the ICJ Advisory Opinion, and responded with a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian State. Nevertheless, all States committed to the rule of law for the resolution of conflict and the promotion of peace and human rights, and all people of good will, should seize the opportunity presented by this Advisory Opinion by the UN’s highest legal tribunal to re-galvanize efforts for the resolution of this longstanding injustice and source of conflict.
The ICJ Advisory Opinion is a decisive moment for the choice between occupation and freedom, between oppression and justice, between despair and hope. Palestinians and Israelis deserve a better future, and a new path forward unobstructed by the occupation that has continued since 1967. We all long and pray for the end of this prolonged conflict and the establishment of just peace in this context.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches
