International Court of Justice Ruling on July 19th, 2024

Re: International Court of Justice Ruling on July 19th, 2024 

On July 19th, the International Court of Justice released a ruling on Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory. Supporting a court’s decision includes supporting their independence and authority – I want to be clear that I support and affirm the court and their decision, unequivocally. 

This is an important step in reaffirming what Canada’s long-standing position has been regarding the expansion of settlements in the region - that Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza are illegal, and are threatening Palestinians right to self-determination, safety, and security. The continued expansion of these illegal settlements is an obstacle to peace, which negatively impacts efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution. 

The International Court of Justice has made it clear that these illegal settlements breach international conventions against racial segregation, and apartheid. Moreover, the ruling by the 15 judges found that Israel has no right to sovereignty over the occupied territory, stating unambiguously that Israel must remove settlements in Palestinian territories immediately and release all claims of sovereignty over the occupied lands.  

Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem can only be characterized as an occupation – they are unlawful, as the court has declared. 

I support the ICJ’s decision without reservation, and I call on Israel to end their occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. 

I continue to be in full support of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all Israeli hostages and a sincere bilateral pursuit of a two-state solution. The world needs and rightfully demands durable peace in this region to start immediately, too many innocent people have been displaced or killed. Peace is the only way forward. 

Adam van Koeverden 
Member of Parliament for Milton