World leaders must act to end Israel’s unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory

Thirty civil society organisations, including Saferworld, call for global leaders to uphold the International Court of Justice's findings that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful.

Over six months have passed since the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favour of adopting a resolution that gave effect to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) July 2024 Advisory Opinion, stating that Israel “brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence” in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) within 12 months. Rather than complying, Israel has intensified its violence in the West Bank and renewed its blockade and military bombardment of Gaza, breaking a fragile two-month ceasefire and further exacerbating the human-made humanitarian crisis.

We, the undersigned organisations, call upon global leaders to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities in light of the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion and the UN General Assembly resolution. 

The ICJ affirmed that Israel’s occupation of the oPt (the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza) is illegal under international law, and called on the Israeli government to cease settlement activities, withdraw settlers, and provide full reparations, including restitution and compensation. All states are legally bound to recognise Israel’s presence in the oPt as unlawful, not aid Israel in maintaining it, and cooperate to end this situation. The ICJ also confirmed that Israel’s policies breach the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which prohibits racial segregation and apartheid; reaffirmed the Palestinian right to self-determination; and declared Israel’s prolonged annexationist occupation an internationally wrongful act.

The dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory

The humanitarian situation in the oPt was dire even before October 2023, marked by Israel’s prolonged blockade of Gaza, severe restrictions on movement, and excessive use of force in the West Bank. Since then, in Gaza, Israel’s military assault has displaced nearly 90% of Palestinians, destroyed entire neighbourhoods, and created catastrophic conditions, with people surviving in makeshift shelters with little access to water or medical care, and pushed to the brink of famine. 

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, intensified Israeli military assaults, unlawful use of force, mass arrests, and settler violence have led to a rise in killings, massive scale forcible transfer, and severe restrictions on movement. The escalation of military attacks is not just sporadic violence or isolated policies, but reflects a strategy of annexation by Israeli authorities. People cannot now move between cities, new restrictions are shrinking humanitarian and civic space, and Israeli legislators are laying the groundwork for permanent Israeli control across the entire West Bank.

The Israeli Government remains bound by its obligations to adhere to international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Any actions that obstruct the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to the civilian population not only result in widespread loss of life and suffering, but also contribute to further entrenchment of Israel’s unlawful presence. 

The time for action is now

We urge all states to take concrete steps to uphold the ICJ’s findings and to ensure an end to Israel’s illegal occupation. At a minimum, Third States must:

• Ensure the end of Israel’s unlawful occupation and demand Israel’s full withdrawal of military and civilian personnel and infrastructure from the oPt, as outlined by the ICJ advisory opinion.
• Hold Israel accountable for violations of international humanitarian law.
• Cease military and security support and suspend all arms sales to Israel.
• Halt trade or business with illegal settlements or enabling Israel's illegal occupation.
• Ensure multilateral cooperation for Palestinian self-determination.

The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion provides a clear legal foundation for meaningful and effective action to end Israel’s unlawful occupation of the oPt. The continued impunity for Israel’s violations only exacerbates the suffering of the Palestinian people and undermines the rule of international law. 

We also call on states to urgently take decisive actions to enforce an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Justice, accountability, and the realisation of Palestinian rights can no longer be delayed.

Signed by:

Medical Aid for Palestinians 
Oxfam 
Christian Aid 
Caabu
Welfare Association
Sabeel-Kairos UK
Global Justice Now
FONSA
Embrace the Middle East
Quakers in Britain
Action For Humanity 
War on Want
Interpal
Amos Trust
Pax Christi International 
HelpAge International
Finnish development NGOs Fingo
Peace Direct
ActionAid Denmark
International Media Support
Children Not Numbers
Saferworld
United Against Inhumanity
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
medico international
ActionAid
world peace service (Weltfriedensdienst e.V.)
War Child Alliance
Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT)

Photo credit: International Court of Justice