Bangladesh Statement in ICJ hearing on Palestine 20 Feb 2024

Summary

His Excellency Mr. Ry hamidullah, representing Bangladesh, addressed the UN court on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestine. He emphasized the illegality of the occupation and its impact on Palestinian self-determination, urging the court to consider the human rights violations and call for an immediate end to the occupation. Highlighting the urgency and moral implications, he called for international law to be upheld for the Palestinian people's right to statehood and peace.

Takeaways

• 🇧🇩 Bangladesh's Delegation: The speaker, Mr. Ry hamidullah, represents Bangladesh in addressing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences of Israel's policies in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Self-Determination Support: Bangladesh's constitution mandates support for oppressed peoples worldwide, including the right to self-determination, which is why they are participating in these proceedings.
• 🕋 Occupation Condemnation: Bangladesh calls for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestine and the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestine State with East Jerusalem as its capital.
• 🔍 Holistic Examination: The speaker urges the ICJ to examine the entirety of Israel's occupation and provide an opinion on its legal status, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• 🚨 Humanitarian Crisis: The situation in Gaza and Rafah is described as dire, with shortages of essential supplies and a significant impact on the civilian population, particularly children.
• 🏠 Destruction and Displacement: The occupation has led to the destruction of homes, displacement of civilians, and obstruction of access to food and water, which are violations of international law.
• 📜 Legal Framework: The script discusses the illegality of the occupation under international law, referencing the right to self-determination, prohibition of territory acquisition by force, and prohibition of racial discrimination.
• 🏛️ Court's Role: Bangladesh believes the ICJ's advisory opinion is critical in ending the illegal occupation and addressing the root cause of violence against Palestinians.
• 📊 UN Resolutions: The speaker references numerous UN resolutions that support the Palestinian people's rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
• 🛑 Immediate Action: Bangladesh calls for immediate and unconditional cessation of Israel's wrongful acts, including withdrawal of forces, dismantling of settlements, and repealing of annexation-related legislation.
• 🤝 Peaceful Coexistence: The ultimate goal is to secure a peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel, with the Palestinian people realizing their rights under international law.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Bangladesh's participation in the advisory proceedings at the United Nations?

Bangladesh is participating in the advisory proceedings to contribute to the realization of the right of the Palestine people to self-determination and to support the end of Israel's occupation of Palestine.

What historical context does Bangladesh provide to explain its stance on the issue of Palestine?

Bangladesh fought for 23 years to gain independence through a bloody war in 1971, where 3 million people sacrificed their lives. Its constitution mandates support for oppressed peoples worldwide, which is why it stands with Palestine.

What is the legal basis for Bangladesh's position on Israel's occupation of Palestine?

Bangladesh's position is grounded in international law, including the right to self-determination, the prohibition of acquiring territory by force, and the prohibition of racial discrimination and apartheid.

What does Bangladesh believe should be the immediate actions taken by Israel according to international law?

Bangladesh believes that Israel must cease all acts preventing the exercise of the right to self-determination by the Palestine people, including withdrawing occupation forces, dismantling illegal settlements and the wall, and repealing annexation-related legislation.

What are the legal consequences for all states regarding the Israeli occupation, as per Bangladesh's perspective?

All states must ensure the cessation of any impediment to the exercise of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, uphold the prohibition of acquiring territory by force and racial discrimination, and not recognize the illegal situation resulting from Israel's wrongful acts.

What role does Bangladesh suggest for the United Nations in addressing the Israeli occupation of Palestine?

Bangladesh suggests that the UN General Assembly and Security Council should consider further action to immediately end the Israeli occupation and remove obstacles to Palestinians' rights, including self-determination.

What does Bangladesh emphasize about the situation in Gaza as described in the script?

Bangladesh emphasizes the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing it as 'hell on Earth,' with shortages of food, fuel, drinking water, and medicines, and the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, particularly children.

How does Bangladesh characterize the Israeli occupation in terms of international law?

Bangladesh characterizes the Israeli occupation as illegal under international law, citing its colonial, acquisitive, and annexationist nature, which violates the right to self-determination and the prohibition of acquiring territory by force.

What specific UN resolutions does Bangladesh reference in its argument against Israel's actions in Palestine?

Bangladesh references UN Security Council resolution 2334 of December 23, 2016, which reaffirmed Israel's obligations under the Geneva Convention and condemned measures aimed at altering the demographic composition of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.

What does Bangladesh propose as the long-term solution for the conflict between Israel and Palestine?

Bangladesh proposes the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestine State along the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, ensuring the fulfillment of the Palestinian people's unalienable rights under international law.

What moral stance does Bangladesh take in its address to the court regarding the Palestinian issue?

Bangladesh takes a moral stance that emphasizes the exceptional moral issues at play for humanity, viewing the Palestinian issue not only as a legal matter but also as one of profound moral importance.