La Via Campesina’s Statement on the Historic ICJ Ruling Regarding Genocide in Gaza
by La Via Campesina
LA VIA CAMPESINA'S STATEMENT ON THE HISTORIC ICJ RULING REGARDING
GENOCIDE IN GAZA
(Bagnolet: January 26, 2023) Today marks a significant milestone in the
pursuit of justice and accountability, as the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) issued a historic ruling in response to a petition from
the Government of South Africa. The ruling investigates allegations of
genocide committed by the Israeli occupation against Palestinians in the
Gaza Strip during the ongoing war, which has tragically resulted in over
26,000 Palestinian casualties, including more than 64,000 injuries and
thousands missing, predominantly women and children.
La Via Campesina welcomes this pivotal decision by the ICJ, considering
it a historic victory for the rights of the Palestinian people and a
crucial first step towards holding the Israeli occupation accountable
for its persistent crimes and evasion of punishment. The ICJ's binding
orders include instructing Israeli occupation to ensure access to
humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population, prevent acts that fall
within the scope of genocide, prevent, and punish direct and public
incitement to commit genocide, take effective measures to prevent
destruction of evidence related to allegations of genocide, and report
back on the measures taken to implement the court's orders within one
month.
While, we in La Via Campesina had hoped for the court to issue an
immediate ceasefire decision as a minimum measure to save the lives of
thousands of Palestinians who continue to fall victim to this war, like
what was seen in the Russian-Ukrainian war, we recognize the
significance of this precedent-setting decision. This ruling, which
subjects the Israeli occupation to legal accountability for the first
time, is a vital step in isolating the Occupying state as a state
accused of committing genocide. It necessitates that supporting states,
especially those supplying Israeli occupation with arms, cease their
support, as it contravenes the Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
We still believe that this ICJ decision is an initial step in holding
the occupation accountable for its heinous crimes and unprecedented use
of starvation as a weapon in its war against civilians in Gaza. More
than two million Palestinians are suffering from hunger due to the
occupation's use of starvation tactics. La Via Campesina stands firm in
its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle
for justice and their right to live in dignity.
This ruling gives us hope, showing that justice can triumph over
oppression. La Via Campesina stands united, continuing to fight for
lasting freedom and respect for Palestine and its people.
La Via Campesina stands resolute in solidarity, echoing the call for
enduring freedom and dignity for Palestine and its people.
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