Iran Press/ Europe: Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran said that the occupying regime of Israel violates the right of Palestinians to self-determination in various ways, including long-term occupation, changing the demographic composition of Palestine, changing the status of the Holy City of Quds, and ignoring the Palestinian people's right to permanent sovereignty over their natural resources.
Iranian senior diplomat, Reza Najafi read his statement during the oral proceedings at the ICJ on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories on Thursday.
The Iranian envoy underlining that this statement shall, in no way, imply recognition of the Israeli regime, added: “We remain at a turning point in the history of mankind; the opinion of this Court can set the ground for saving the lives of thousands of innocent women and children, and contribute to the legitimate demand of a people deprived of its inherent right to self-determination for decades."
Emphasizing the ICJ’s jurisdiction to give the advisory opinion requested by the UN General Assembly, the Iranian envoy said: “There are legal consequences arising from the prolonged occupation of the Palestinian territories by the Israeli occupying regime in violation of the right of the Palestinian people who have never experienced the right to self-determination.”
The Iranian diplomat added: “Having elaborated on the legal consequences that arise for all States and the United Nations from this status, I will reiterate the inclusive plan previously submitted by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations for the realization of the right of Palestinians to self-determination."
In late 2023, South Africa filed a case at the top UN court in The Hague, accusing Israel of failing to uphold its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
On Monday, Palestinian representatives presented their arguments on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem al-Quds, and the Gaza Strip. The occupation is illegal and must be brought to an immediate, unconditional, and total end, they argued.
The Zionist regime is not attending the hearings but sent a five-page written statement saying an advisory opinion would be “harmful” to attempts to resolve the conflict because questions posed by the UN General Assembly are prejudiced.
At least 29,313 Palestinians have been killed and 69,333 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.
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