The fourth day of hearings at The Hague’s International Court of Justice on the legality of Israel’s control over the Palestinian territories is currently underway. In the proceedings, representatives from several countries including Jordan, Iraq, and Iran had the opportunity to present their statements before the esteemed court.
Jordan, represented by its Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi, voiced concerns over the perceived threat to religious freedom posed by Israel. According to Safadi, Israel has been denying Muslims their rightful access to the historically and religiously significant al-Aqsa Mosque. Additionally, he stressed that Christian clerics were not being adequately protected from violent attacks instigated by Israeli extremists. This, he argued, is a clear violation of the fundamental freedoms and rights of religious expression and worship.
Presenting Iraq’s standpoint, Haidar Shia al-Barak, the head of the legal department of the country’s Foreign Ministry, passionately called for an end to what he termed as the “systematic killing machine.” He went on to level severe accusations against Israel, including genocide against Palestinians and deliberate perpetration of war crimes. Al-Barak’s statements underscored the gravity of the conflict and the urgent need for intervention and resolution.
Iran’s perspective was put forth by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Reza Najafi. He expressed his firm belief that the concept of Zionism should be brought under scrutiny and judgment. In his opinion, “Zionism is a colonial project that led to the expulsion of indigenous people from their land,” indicating Iran’s alignment with the Palestinian cause and its opposition to the Israeli control over the territories.
