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The advisory opinion said also that “the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as Israel’s maintenance of their presence, is contrary to the sixth paragraph of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reiterated that the WCC has repeatedly called for an end to the occupation; for justice, peace, and equal human rights and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike; and for recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self determination.
“The WCC has advocated for these measures as the only viable path to a just and sustainable peace in the region,” said Pillay. “This stance was affirmed by the WCC 11th Assembly in 2022, held in Karlsruhe, Germany.”
Israel’s Knesset passed a resolution that overwhelmingly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“Nevertheless, all States committed to the rule of law for the resolution of conflict and the promotion of peace and human rights, and all people of good will, should seize the opportunity presented by this advisory opinion by the UN’s highest legal tribunal to re-galvanize efforts for the resolution of this longstanding injustice and source of conflict,” said Pillay. “Palestinians and Israelis deserve a better future, and a new path forward unobstructed by the occupation that has continued since 1967.”
