Egypt Affirms Support for Palestinian Cause at ICJ

Yasmine Moussa, Egypt's representative before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stressed that the ongoing pleadings before the court regarding the Palestinian cause represent a critical stage, especially in light of the tragic conditions in the Gaza Strip.

In exclusive statements to Radio Nile, she noted that the majority of countries that made their pleadings before the court expressed their full support for the rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination. 

Approximately 40 countries also expressed their support for the need for Israel to abide by its obligations as a member of the United Nations, particularly with regard to allowing relief organizations and international bodies to operate within the Palestinian territories, lifting the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid.

The Egyptian representative added that a large number of countries called on the Israeli occupation authorities to provide basic services and goods necessary to prevent famine and to confront policies that make the Gaza Strip uninhabitable.

She stressed that the International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, cannot be ignored in the long term. She explained that Egypt has always held a clear and steadfast position in support of the Palestinian cause, from its inception to the present day.

Moussa explained that Egypt participates in all relevant political and legal processes, noting its contribution to the legal movement that began a year ago by requesting an advisory opinion from the court regarding the occupation. This movement resulted, for the first time, in the court's issuance of a ruling recognizing the illegality of the Israeli occupation and the necessity of its withdrawal from Palestinian territories.

She concluded her statement by emphasizing that Israel's actions in the occupied territories constitute an unlawful imposition of sovereignty and a clear violation of international law. She noted that the world awaits the court's opinion in the coming months, in preparation for widespread political action at the level of United Nations bodies.