Brazil, Chile ask UN court to rule on illegality of Israel's occupation of Palestine

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Ten countries started to present arguments Tuesday on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Brazil and Chile asked the ICJ to rule that Israel's occupation of Palestine is unlawful and violates international obligations.

- Brazil

Brazilian diplomat Maria Clara Paula de Tusco said at the UN judicial body hearings that Israel has continued to violate international law and numerous resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council since 1967.

"The gravity of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories was beyond discussion even before the disproportionate and indiscriminate military operations that started on October 7," said de Tusco, emphasizing that the Palestinian people's right to self-determination should be "absolute and indispensable."

“The prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territories, including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of these territories, including Jerusalem, violate rules of international law,” she said.

Brazil argued that “a two-state solution with an economically viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, is the only way to provide peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.”

- Chile

Chile accused Israel of exercising "systematic violations" of international law against the Palestinian people.

"Noting that the current escalation of hostilities is partly explained by the status quo does not entail condoning the acts of Hamas. Chile unequivocally condemns terrorist actions and has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages since day one. However, the escalation grows out of a long-standing conflict with a 56-year-long occupation and no political end in sight," said Chile’s special representative Ximena Fuentes.

Fuentes said Israel has the intention of controlling Palestinian land indefinitely and described the "illegal" occupation as ensuring Tel Aviv make is an annexation.

It has been demonstrated, she said, in acts such as the construction of settlements, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and the exploitation of Palestinian natural resources.

"By virtue of its actions, including the exploitation of natural resources, settlement policies, the construction of the wall, the legalization of outposts, among others, Israel has demonstrated its intention to control the occupied Palestinian territory indefinitely," Fuentes said and confirmed that Chile "would like to see the implementation of the two-state solution within internationally recognized and secure boundaries, and it is convinced that these advisory proceedings will assist in that process."​​​​​​​