In a landmark session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday, Yasmine Moussa, Legal Advisor at the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Egypt, delivered Egypt’s oral arguments on the request for an advisory opinion concerning the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Moussa’s address at the ICJ shed light on the harrowing 75-year history of displacement, dispossession, and collective punishment endured by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. She condemned the daily violence and suffering inflicted upon the Palestinian people, emphasizing Israel’s systematic violations of international humanitarian law.
“Israel is deliberately and wantonly creating conditions that are intended to make life in Gaza impossible, imposing siege and starvation, including by impeding humanitarian access,” Moussa stressed.
Highlighting Israel’s “brutal onslaught” in Gaza, Moussa lamented the loss of innocent lives and the forced displacement of millions in contravention of international law. She issued a stark warning against Israel’s impending attack on Rafah, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to protect civilian lives.
Moussa also denounced Israel’s illegal practices in the West Bank, including attacks, access restrictions, and punitive demolitions, which have led to the displacement of entire communities. She emphasized that such actions are part of a broader policy aimed at asserting Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian land.
Affirming Egypt’s commitment to justice and the rule of law for the Palestinian people, Moussa asserted that peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East are contingent upon upholding their rights. Her impassioned plea at the ICJ underscored Egypt’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to seeking redress for ongoing human rights violations
