In a recent statement issued by Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury has given his unequivocal support to the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) calling for Israel’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal from the ‘occupied Palestinian territories’ and reparation to be paid to the Palestinians for damage caused by the ‘occupation.’
It is worth quoting his statement in full:
‘The Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (19 July 2024) makes definitively clear that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful and needs to end as rapidly as possible.
At a time when the world is marked by increasing violations of international law – and commitment to a rules-based system is in question – it is imperative that governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions by the International Court of Justice, irrespective of the situation. International law protects our shared humanity, and safeguards human dignity and flourishing. To resist a world where actions such as torture, hostage-taking and indiscriminate violence become the norm, we must apply the law without fear or favour in all circumstances. 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.
‘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 in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is one of systemic discrimination. 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. I am particularly aware of how this is impacting Palestinian Christians, threatening their future and viability. It is clear that ending the occupation is 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.’
From a Christian perspective it is unquestionable that the rule of law needs to be upheld (Romans 13:1-7) and that where one group of people is treating another people unjustly then this needs to stop – ‘Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’ (Amos 5:24). On these two basic points we can agree with the archbishop. Nevertheless, his statement as a whole is deeply problematic for four reasons.
Read it all at Christian Today
