Green Party reacts to International Court of Justice ruling
26 January 2024
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said the International Court of Justice interim ruling underscored the need for a renewed political initiative to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and a long-term peace.
Ramsay said:
“The International Court of Justice is right to insist that Israel must ‘take all measures within its power’ to prevent all acts contravening the genocide convention, must ensure ‘with immediate effect’ that its forces do not commit any act of genocide, and immediately improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The court is also right to call for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages
“It is the highest court of the United Nations, its decisions are binding, and if we are to have a rules-based international order, its findings must be respected and acted upon.
“Now is the time for new peace initiatives to create the conditions for a lasting peace across the region.
“Ultimately, it is for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to agree the long-term solutions that will offer each security and peace, but the UK government can do much more now to encourage that process to begin.
“The UK government must show it respects the international institutions that offer peaceful, legal and diplomatic avenues to end conflicts.
“It should begin by unequivocally backing an immediate ceasefire that ends fighting by all sides, frees the hostages, lets in humanitarian aid and creates space for dialogue.”