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ASIA PACIFIC GREENS FEDERATION

February 2024

Recognising that the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for provisional measures represents a significant step by the world’s highest court in holding Israel accountable for its crimes and human rights violations against the Palestinian people over the past 75 years, the Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) strongly calls for the urgent need for immediate action and protection for the Palestinian people and their land. Any delay will inevitably result in further loss of Palestinian lives, particularly those of children and women, who represent approximately two-thirds of the total casualties.

The APGF asserts that the ICJ ruling holds immense significance as a pivotal milestone in the collective effort to hold Israel accountable for the egregious crimes committed against the Palestinian people. Moreover, it marks a crucial step towards ending the perpetual impunity granted to Israel by its allies.

The APGF expresses gratitude to South Africa for its leadership in bringing the case forward and commends the country’s commitment to ending all acts of apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian people. The Federation also welcomes the ICJ’s provisional ruling that Israel must answer to allegations of genocide in Gaza and that all state parties to the Genocide Convention are legally bound to prevent genocide. In addition, the Federation holds responsible all the countries and stakeholders who are still sending weapons and ammunition to Israel exacerbating the violations of IHL. 

However, the Federation is disappointed by Israel’s dispute of the ICJ’s jurisdiction over the matter and its continued violence against Palestinians, resulting in a death toll nearing 30,000, with the vast majority being women and children. It is condemnable that Israel persists in targeting hospitals, endangering the lives of medical personnel, patients, and civilians seeking refuge within their compounds. Furthermore, the Federation laments Israel’s detainment, theft of organs, mistreatment,  disappearance, and mass graves of Palestinian men, women and children.

The APGF condemns the United States’ unwavering support for Israel, despite global protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people. It also criticizes the decision of 18 governments to freeze funding to the UNRWA, which exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Federation urges these countries to unfreeze funding immediately.

Regrettably, the international community’s silence in the face of ongoing atrocities and its double standards is concerning. The APGF calls for an unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s violations of international law and urges influential nations to hold Israel accountable and enforce the ICJ’s ruling.

The APGF expresses hope for the upcoming public hearings scheduled by the ICJ in February 2024 regarding the legal consequences of Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, within the international legal framework.

Additionally, the Federation highlights the devastating impact of the occupation power, including the use of phosphoric bombs causing environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods in Palestine territories and Lebanon. Over 60,000 old-aged olive trees, a vital source of income for hundreds of families, have been destroyed, as well as many orange trees. Approximately 400 hectares of land require restoration due to phosphoric pollution, while the water remains polluted and undrinkable.

We also note with concern the increased activity of bombing and drone attacks in Iraq and Jordan, the involvement of Iran,  and the expansion of the conflict to the entire region.

We call on all governments to cease arms trade with Israel immediately and that they be held accountable for being a part of escalating this conflict. We urge them to provide clear and transparent information on military exports that have been supplied and to halt any further exports.

 

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