Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the UN Emergency Session on the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation

'On 18 September, 124 UN Member States voted in favour of a resolution as a follow-up to the historic Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice 19 July this year. The resolution is a very important statement from a majority of the UN Member States and an achievement for international law', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

'Norway co-sponsored the resolution, which is the first resolution Palestine has presented to the UN. They could do this after the General Assembly on 10 May voted in favour of strengthening their status.'

'In the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion from 19 July, the court concluded among other things, that Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is in violation of international law.'

'The resolution is a clear message to Israel to heed the Court’s conclusions, and to respect and fully implement its obligations under international law. It also shows significant global support for Palestine. It is also a confirmation that the international opposition to the continued Israeli occupation, which is in violation of international law, is becoming stronger.'

'It is now more urgent than ever to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and make concrete progress in the efforts to achieve a viable Palestinian state. I will raise these topics with several key countries during the UN General Assembly.'