UN Experts Urge Action Against Israel's Occupation of Palestine

A coalition of 38 UN human rights experts is urging member states to exert pressure on Israel to comply with a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that deems its occupation of Palestinian territories illegal. In a statement released on Tuesday, the experts emphasized the need for member states to consider measures such as an arms embargo and the severing of diplomatic and financial ties with Israel, citing the country’s long-standing violations of international law. The experts reiterated the ICJ's landmark opinion, which asserts that Israel's actions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza amount to apartheid and violate the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. They described the ruling as a crucial step toward Palestinian self-determination and called for its enforcement, highlighting that freedom from foreign military occupation and racial segregation is non-negotiable. In alignment with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the experts urged member states to reconsider all diplomatic, political, and economic relations with Israel, including business and financial engagements. They also called for the repeal of laws that inhibit advocacy against Israel's occupation, such as the U.S.'s anti-BDS legislation. The experts further recommended that states participate in an arms embargo against Israel and implement targeted sanctions against individuals and entities perpetuating the occupation. They stressed the importance of prosecuting those involved in these violations, particularly in light of the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel's military actions.