Belgium Calls for EU Unity on Israel's Actions in Palestine

Blegium's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has urged the European Union to present a unified stance regarding the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories.

This call was made on Monday, ahead of the EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.

Responding to the International Court of Justice's opinion that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and should end immediately, Lahbib highlighted the importance of EU unity, emphasizing that the European Union must have a single voice.

Lahbib stressed the necessity of adhering to the International Court of Justice's ruling, stating that the EU cannot merely defend the rule of law and democracy in principle but must also comply with this specific decision.

Last Friday, the International Court of Justice held a public hearing in The Hague in response to the United Nations General Assembly's request for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

The court declared that the continued presence of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories is illegal, emphasizing the Palestinians' right to self-determination and stating that existing Israeli settlements on occupied land must be vacated.