ICJ: Morocco Advocates for Peace at Hearings in the Hague \ Newslooks \ The Hague \ In a significant demonstration of support for the Palestinian cause, Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Al-Quds Committee, played a pivotal role in the recent hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The proceedings, which sought an advisory opinion on the legal ramifications of Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, saw the Kingdom actively participating from February 19 to 29.
Represented by Ambassador Mohamed Basri in The Hague, Morocco’s engagement at the ICJ underscores its steadfast commitment to the Palestinian issue. This involvement was notably marked by the Kingdom’s support during Palestine’s oral presentation on February 19, which was led by Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyad Al Maliki, alongside the Palestinian delegation.
Morocco’s presence at the hearings is a continuation of its long-standing support for the cause, further emphasized through a written plea submitted to the court that highlighted the Kingdom’s dedication to protecting the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem. The plea articulated Morocco’s stance on utilizing all legal avenues to safeguard the city’s status as a beacon of peace and harmony for adherents of all monotheistic faiths.
The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to upholding international law and fostering peace in the Middle East. It advocated for a fair, comprehensive, and permanent resolution based on the two-state principle, envisioning an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting peacefully with Israel.
Furthermore, the Moroccan plea referenced the Appeal of Al-Quds/Jerusalem, a significant agreement signed by King Mohammed VI and Pope Francis in 2019, which calls for preserving Jerusalem as a shared heritage for humanity and a symbol of peaceful coexistence.
The document also addressed the international consensus on the illegality of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and other occupied territories, emphasizing that these settlements pose a barrier to peace and threaten the feasibility of a two-state solution.
Morocco’s intervention at the ICJ reflected a comprehensive approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the importance of dialogue and negotiation within the framework of UN resolutions. The Kingdom’s actions, both bilaterally and within international forums like the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, aim to facilitate lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
In closing, Morocco’s plea echoed a message from King Mohammed VI on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, urging for renewed efforts towards meaningful negotiations that align with the principles of international legitimacy and the two-state solution, thereby offering a realistic path to peace in the region.
