2 August 2024: The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and urged governments around the world to uphold international law, reports Middle East Eye.
His comments on Friday were a response to an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice two weeks ago, which addressed Israel’s presence in occupied Palestine.
The court found that Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories was “unlawful” and that its “near-complete separation” of people in the occupied West Bank breached international laws concerning “racial segregation” and “apartheid”.
“The [ICJ] makes definitively clear that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and needs to end as rapidly as possible,” said Welby.
He added that at a time when the world is marked by increasing violations of international law, governments need to show an “unwavering commitment” to the ICJ’s decisions.
“We must apply the law without fear or favour in all circumstances,” Welby said.
“But for too long it has been applied and upheld in a selective manner that threatens our common peace and security. Now is the time to reverse that deeply damaging trend.”
While delivering the court’s findings two weeks ago, ICJ President Nawaf Salam stated that Israel must make reparations to Palestinians for damages caused by its occupation, adding that the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and all states have an obligation to not recognise Israel’s occupation as legal.
Salam added that Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem amounted to the annexation of large parts of these territories and that Israel systematically discriminates against Palestinians in the occupied territories.
The advisory opinion has no binding force but carries significant legal and moral authority, and could increase pressure on Israel over its ongoing war in Gaza.
“Having visited our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters many times over recent decades, it is clear to me that the regime imposed by successive Israeli governments… is one of systemic discrimination,” said Welby.
“Through annexing Palestinian land for illegal settlements, depriving Palestinians access to their own natural resources, and imposing a system of military rule that denies them safety and justice, the State of Israel has been denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope.”
He said ending the occupation was a “legal and moral necessity”.
“I pray that all UN member states respond positively to this advisory opinion by ensuring their individual and common actions are consistent with it – and pave the way for the realisation of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination,” Welby concluded.
Welby is the principal leader of the Church of England and ceremonial head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
In February, he expressed regret at declining a meeting with Palestinian Lutheran pastor Munther Isaac during a tour of the UK.
Isaac had previously said that Welby’s aides had informed him that the Anglican leader would not meet him because he shared a platform with former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
“This sums up the Church of England. They danced around positions and ended up saying nothing. They lack the courage to say things,” Isaac said at the time.
Welby posted a message on X, saying he regretted his earlier refusal and wanted to meet Isaac.
“Recently, I declined to meet with Rev Dr [Munther Isaac] during his UK visit,” he wrote, continuing: “I apologise for and deeply regret this decision, and the hurt, anger, and confusion it caused. I was wrong not to meet with my brother in Christ from the Holy Land, especially at this time of profound suffering for our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters.”
