MWL, GCC Hail ICJ's Advisory Opinion on Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories

A placard reading "Free Palestine, end Israel Occupation" is pictured on Parliament square, central London, on June 8, 2024 at the end of "National March for Gaza", calling to "end the genocide" and "stop arming Israel". (AFP)
A placard reading "Free Palestine, end Israel Occupation" is pictured on Parliament square, central London, on June 8, 2024 at the end of "National March for Gaza", calling to "end the genocide" and "stop arming Israel". (AFP)
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MWL, GCC Hail ICJ's Advisory Opinion on Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories

A placard reading "Free Palestine, end Israel Occupation" is pictured on Parliament square, central London, on June 8, 2024 at the end of "National March for Gaza", calling to "end the genocide" and "stop arming Israel". (AFP)
A placard reading "Free Palestine, end Israel Occupation" is pictured on Parliament square, central London, on June 8, 2024 at the end of "National March for Gaza", calling to "end the genocide" and "stop arming Israel". (AFP)

The Muslim World League (MWL) welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, affirming the illegality of the Israeli presence in the occupied Palestinian territories for 57 years.
In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa stressed the importance of this decision, which is a positive step towards the human and legal right of the Palestinian people to reach a just and comprehensive solution to their cause and to ensure obtaining their legitimate rights to self-determination and establishing their independent state in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions, SPA reported.

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, also welcomed the opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, saying that it confirms and reinforces the Palestinian people's attainment of their legitimate and legal rights in accordance with international and United Nations resolutions to regain the Palestinian territories seized by the Israeli occupation forces
He pointed out that the settlement decisions and attempts to change the geography carried out by the Israeli occupation forces are illegitimate measures that do not enjoy any regional or international recognition, and do not change anything on the ground, stressing that the seized Palestinian territories will remain Palestinian and an inherent right of the Palestinian people.
Moreover, Albudaiwi reiterated the firm stances of the GCC countries towards the Palestinian issue, and support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to obtain their state.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.