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In a step that activists on social media described as important in supporting the Palestinian cause, Egypt submitted a memorandum before the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s practices that violate international legitimacy. What is the importance of this memorandum?
According to what was announced by the head of the Egyptian State Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, Egypt will participate in the hearings before the International Court of Justice and will present an oral argument next Wednesday, stressing that Egypt has submitted a memorandum regarding Israel’s practices that violate international legitimacy.
The Egyptian memorandum includes “confirming the illegitimacy of the Israeli occupation for more than 75 years in violation of the principles of international humanitarian law, the illegitimacy of the policies of annexing lands, demolishing homes, expelling, deporting and displacing Palestinians, and rejecting the policies of persecution, racial discrimination and other practices.”
The memorandum calls on the International Court of Justice to confirm Israel's responsibility for all these internationally wrongful acts, and also calls on the countries of the world and the international community to stop providing support to Israel.
Comments from social media activists
Social media fans praised the Egyptian step in tweets and comments, some of which were quoted in an episode (2/19/2024) of the “Shabakat” program.
Amani wrote: “Throughout history, Egypt has provided all support to the Palestinian people... and continues to support them by submitting a memorandum to the International Court of Justice.”
People waiting at the Rafah crossing (Al Jazeera)
In Gamal Al-Ali’s opinion, the Egyptian move is “an important development in support of the Palestinian cause... The fact that more than 50 countries have submitted pleas on the legality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories reflects the commitment of many countries to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and achieving international justice.”
Youssef said that he began to think about how the International Court of Justice might condemn Israel, but added, "This court does not have any executive authority on the ground."
Yasser believed that Egypt does not only support Palestine, but also supports any country in need of support and assistance.
It is noteworthy that the first hearings at the International Court of Justice began today with the participation of 52 countries, and Israel refrained from attending and was content with sending written comments. The arguments will continue during the days of this week, after which the court will issue its advisory opinion in this regard.
In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly requested the International Court of Justice to issue a fatwa or legal consultation regarding Israeli practices in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
If the International Court of Justice issues its legal advisory opinion, this will be the first time in 20 years, as the court issued a fatwa against the separation wall in 2004, ruling that it violates international law and demanded its dismantling.
Source: Al Jazeera