Norway’s statement at the UN Emergency Special Session on The International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation.

The Advisory Opinion of 19 July by the International Court of Justice [on the “Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”], is a highly important ruling from the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

The Court’s message could hardly have been any clearer: Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character. This has been brought about by Israel’s violations of the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force and the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Consequently, the Court states that Israel has an obligation to bring to an end this unlawful presence, as rapidly as possible.

The Court also reaffirms that Israel’s settlement activity violates international law, and furthermore, concludes that Israel must immediately stop all new settlement activity, evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, repeal all legislation and measures creating or maintaining the unlawful situation and provide full compensation to all affected Palestinians.

This is an unequivocal message which Israel must comply with without delay.

The Court further emphasizes that all other states are required to not assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel. It urges the UN General Assembly and the Security Council to consider measures to help put an end to the illegal presence.

This places a responsibility on all of us.

Tomorrow, a resolution building on ICJ’s Advisory Opinion, will be put to a vote. It is aligned with the Court’s opinion and aims at ensuring that the latter is upheld. Norway will therefore vote in favour. And we encourage everyone to do the same. Respect for international law is a prerequisite for maintaining global peace and security.

Mr. President,

Turning to the dramatic situation on the ground: Norway continues to call for an immediate ceasefire. And the release of all remaining hostages, who remain in captivity after Hamas’ terror attack on 7 October – which we have condemned in the strongest possible terms.

After more than 11 months of war, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The scale of destruction, the massive number of casualties, and the extreme humanitarian needs, are unprecedented. The living hell that the civilians in Gaza are going through – every single day - is happening on our watch. No one can claim that we do not understand the extent of the ongoing violence and destruction. Still, we have been unable to prevent it. That is unforgivable.

In the occupied West Bank, the rapidly deteriorating situation is highly dangerous. And could have serious implications for a region already on the brink of full-scale war. The dire economic situation, recent large-scale Israeli military operations, and unabated settler violence continue to inflict severe harm on the local Palestinian population. And all contribute to the escalation of an already tense situation.

Mr. President,

The Palestinian people have a right to self-determination, as reaffirmed by the Court in its Advisory Opinion. According to the Court, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising this right to self-determination. This includes the right to an independent and sovereign State, over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Israel’s continued occupation and unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is not compatible with the realisation of a strong Palestinian state – and ultimately a two-state solution.

There is no way to provide lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis without the establishment of a Palestinian state. A two-state solution requires an Israeli and a Palestinian state. Norway’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine reaffirms Norway’s long-standing commitment to the two-state solution, through the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side with the State of Israel, in peace and within secure and recognized borders. Through this recognition, Norway affirms its support for the Palestinian leadership who is committed to the two-state solution, to diplomacy and abstention from violence in its efforts to achieve peace.

Norway is of the view that the great majority of all states supports the realisation of the two-state solution. Let us therefore also commit to taking concrete and irreversible steps towards this end. It is more urgent than ever.

Mr. President,

The current trajectory is not sustainable. A change of course is urgently needed. The Court has provided a framework to remedy the situation. It deserves all our attention.