Elders demand global action against Israeli occupation of Palestine

The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights, and a sustainable planet, was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007

Muslim Network TV Desk

ANKARA (MNTV) – The Elders, an independent group of prominent global leaders, have issued a powerful call to political figures worldwide, urging immediate action to enforce the historic ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and bring an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

The Elders, which includes dozens of leaders, lauded the ICJ’s authoritative opinion issued on 19 July, marking it as a definitive assertion of international law.

They insisted that the legal consequences should be fully implemented by Israel, United Nations member states, and the UN itself.

The Elders, working for peace, justice, human rights, and a sustainable planet, was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.

Currently Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland chairs the group and Ban Ki-moon former UN Secretary-General  is deputy chairman of the elite group of global leaders.

The ICJ, serving as the principal judicial organ of the UN, concluded that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)—including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza—is unlawful.

The court found that Israel’s policies and practices amount to the annexation of large portions of Palestinian land, constituting a breach of its international obligations on racial segregation and apartheid.

The Elders emphasized, “Successive Israeli governments have been violating the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by force for over five decades. In this era of political upheaval and increasing geopolitical tensions, the world cannot afford to be distracted. The ICJ ruling is a clarion call for all leaders who respect the rule of law and are committed to a just and equitable multilateral system.”

In addition to the occupation, The Elders stressed the urgent need to address the situation in Gaza. They called for intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire, the release of all Israeli prisoners and arbitrarily detained Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian access to tackle catastrophic hunger and the risk of famine throughout Gaza.

“Israel has already failed to implement the provisional measures previously ordered by the ICJ, including halting its military offensive in Rafah and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. The ongoing atrocities against civilians being perpetrated by Israel in Gaza add weight to allegations that genocide is being committed, on which the ICJ will make a final determination,” the statement said.

They highlighted that nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since last October, with an additional 90,000 wounded and 10,000 missing, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes.

“The death toll continues to rise every day but is seemingly tolerated by some countries,”

The Elders noted, pointing out that UN Security Council Resolution 2735 remains unimplemented and a ceasefire deal is elusive. They criticized Israel for failing to implement the provisional measures previously ordered by the ICJ, including halting its military offensive in Rafah and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access.

The ongoing atrocities against civilians in Gaza add weight to allegations of genocide, on which the ICJ will make a final determination. The Elders urged world leaders to clarify their stance on the rule of law. “The people of the world are watching, waiting, and willing justice to prevail.”

The members of the Elders group includes Gro Harlem Brundtland, Helen Clark, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, Hina Jilani, Denis Mukwege, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Graça Machel (Deputy Chair), Juan Manuel Santos, Mary Robinson (Chair) and Ernesto Zedillo.