Pakistan, Indonesia welcome ICJ advisory opinion on Israel's policies in occupied Palestinian territories

Pakistan and Indonesia welcomed on Saturday the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the ICJ ruling that Israel must end its occupation and illegal settlements is a "vindication of the legitimate struggle of the brave Palestinian people."

"I urge the international community & UN to implement the ruling, ensuring Palestinian self-determination through a two state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions. Proud that Pakistan contributed to the case, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause," Sharif said on X.

Indonesia also welcomed the opinion, saying the court has fulfilled its role in upholding a rules-based international order by determining that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is "unlawful."

"This opinion has addressed the aspiration of Indonesia and the rest of the international community in delivering justice for the Palestinians," said the Foreign Ministry on X.

The ICJ in its opinion said Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian land is "unlawful" and should be brought to an end "as rapidly as possible."

​​​​​​​In late 2022, the General Assembly adopted a resolution requesting the ICJ to give an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, how the policies and practices of Israel affect the legal status of the occupation, and what are the legal consequences that arise for all states and the UN from this status.

-Mahathir calls for deployment of int'l force in Gaza

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has also called for the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to Gaza to protect the Palestinians.

In a statement posted on X, he urged to stop the massacre of Palestinians and condemned Israel for not respecting international opinion or laws.

"The international community which respects the rules of law must act! Must enforce! Please send a strong and big international peacekeeping force to stop the genocide," he said.

"Please in the name of humanity, the sanctity of human lives. Please stop the massacre," the former prime minister added.