Palestine remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice through international legal channels, despite mounting political pressure and threats of sanctions, Palestinian Ambassador Ammar Hijazi declared in an interview with Middle East Eye on Wednesday. His statement followed a significant ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which underscored Israel’s humanitarian obligations, particularly the need to lift its blockade on aid entering Gaza. Hijazi emphasized that the Palestinian leadership will not retreat from its commitment to seek justice on the global stage, stating, ‘This is a rightful, peaceful, legal, and moral path that we must take until our people are free and our independence is realized.’
Hijazi reiterated Palestine’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), where investigations into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders are ongoing. He dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to cease legal actions against Israel at the ICC and ICJ, asserting that the PA lacks the authority to withdraw such cases. ‘It is now in the hands of the prosecutor and the court,’ Hijazi explained, expressing hope that more individuals committing crimes against humanity will be held accountable.
The ICC, the world’s only permanent international court with jurisdiction over senior officials, has been a focal point of Palestine’s legal strategy. In 2021, former ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda launched a war crimes investigation against Israel, following a referral by the PA. The investigation has since gained momentum, with additional referrals from countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and Mexico, amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In November 2023, ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The ICJ’s recent advisory opinion, which condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, has further bolstered Palestine’s legal position. Represented by Hijazi and a team of international lawyers, Palestine was among 40 states that presented evidence during the hearings earlier this year. The court’s findings, which highlighted Israel’s violations of international law, are expected to influence ongoing ICC investigations. Paul Reichler, a lawyer representing Palestine at the ICJ, noted that the court’s determination of proven facts, such as Israel’s deliberate policy of denying food to civilians, could be pivotal in future legal proceedings.
Hijazi called on the international community to enforce the ICJ’s findings, urging nations to align with international law rather than condone colonialism, genocide, and war crimes. ‘International law is very clear,’ he asserted. ‘What Israel is doing is illegal in the occupied Palestinian territory.’ As Palestine continues its legal battle, the global community faces a critical choice: to uphold justice or remain complicit in ongoing violations.