UAE Advocates For Two-State Solution At International Court, Addresses Israel's Violations

Today, Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and the United Arab Emirates' Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, made a compelling case for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the two-state solution. This advocacy took place at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands. The context of her address was a request by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2022 for an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal repercussions of Israel's policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Ambassador Nusseibeh highlighted the critical role of the ICJ's advisory opinion in achieving the two-state solution. She pointed out Israel's non-compliance with its obligations amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and its increasing violations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Here, settlement expansion and settler violence have surged to unprecedented levels. She articulated the legal implications of Israel's unlawful actions for Israel itself, the United Nations, and all countries involved.

"56 years of occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip have been characterized by Israel’s severe violations against the Palestinian people. Israel’s occupation is illegal and must end," stated Ambassador Nusseibeh. She underscored the urgency of addressing these issues, as evidenced by the UN General Assembly's move to seek guidance from the ICJ on matters concerning Israel's ongoing breach of Palestinians' inherent right to self-determination.

Ambassador Nusseibeh expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating conditions resulting from decades of Israeli occupation. "After decades of violent dehumanisation, dispossession, and despair that has marked the Israeli occupation, violations resulting from that occupation in all parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory are worsening at an alarming pace," she remarked. The UAE is optimistic that ample evidence presented to the Court will aid in identifying these violations and determining their legal consequences.

The UAE is confident that the ICJ's advisory opinion will significantly aid international efforts to peacefully resolve this conflict in alignment with international law. Ambassador Nusseibeh emphasized that international law must be uniformly applied to all parties. "International law cannot be an à la carte menu; it must apply equally to all. And it is all the more essential in the long shadow cast by the Palestinian question: an injustice that has persisted for more than seven decades," she stated.

The proceedings at the ICJ mark a crucial step towards establishing a just and lasting solution to this long-standing issue. The United Arab Emirates reaffirms its dedication to promoting peace, justice, and realizing the rights of the Palestinian people.

With inputs from WAM