ICJ should work to achieve goal

Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, Yousef SY Ramadan, has said the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gives a sense of optimism for the Palestinians to be independent after 75 years of struggle, reports UNB.

"It's the first step on the way. We can build upon this," he said while speaking at the DCAB Talk at the Jatiya Press Club in the city on Thursday.

Responding to a question, Ambassador Ramadan said they should not just stop there.

"No. We wanted to wait and see. We want to provide ICJ with the evidence that Israel did commit genocide. This is our duty. This is the duty of everyone," he said.

"That's what we need ....to continue. And ICJ should continue the work to achieve its goal. It should not just relax," the envoy added,

The ambassador said they are extremely grateful to Bangladesh and South Africa for their role. Bangladesh supported the genocide case filed by South Africa with the ICJ.

Lauding Bangladesh's position, he said this was a very courageous move from Bangladesh.

In the ICJ proceedings, South Africa contended that Israel is violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention with its military assault on Gaza, which began on October 8, 2023, after the attack by Hamas in Israel, which killed 1,200 people and wounded many more. Around 240 people were also taken hostage in the attack.

During oral hearings earlier this month, Israel sought to have the case dismissed by the ICJ judges - a motion that was rejected last Friday (January 26).

The landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offers the first concrete hope to protect civilians in Gaza enduring apocalyptic humanitarian conditions, destruction, mass killing, wounding and irreparable trauma, UN experts said today.

"The ruling is a significant milestone in the decades-long struggle for justice by the Palestinian people," the experts said.