France: “The Palestinian people have the right to live side by side with Israelis”
Speaking at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing on the "legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory," Diego Colas, Director of Legal Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "The Palestinian people have the right to live side by side with Israelis within internationally recognized borders."
İHA
Hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the "legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory" are continuing.
The hearings, held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, are in their 3rd day. Speaking on behalf of France at the hearing, Diego Colas, Director of Legal Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Israel has the right to defend itself, while noting that Israel must do so in accordance with international law.
Stating that France supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Colas said, "Only a two-state solution will meet both Israel's right to security and the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for an independent state. To this end, France calls for a decisive and credible relaunch of the peace process."
"HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE SIDE BY SIDE"
Stating that security arrangements and the establishment of a sovereign state are necessary for a two-state solution, Colas said, "The Palestinian people have the right to live side by side with Israelis within internationally recognized borders."
Colas stated that France believes the scope of the current ICJ proceedings should be "precisely defined" and that the court should provide an opinion that "does not go further than necessary." Noting that France reiterates its condemnation of Israel's illegal settlement policy, which includes the eviction of Palestinian families and the demolition of properties, Colas added that France also reiterates its condemnation of statements regarding the transfer of Palestinians in Gaza outside the region.
"ISRAEL MUST PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE"
Calling for reparations for Palestinians, Colas said, "All damages caused to the Palestinian people as a result of policies and practices contrary to international law must be repaired, and if this is not possible, compensation must be paid. Israel must prosecute those responsible for human rights violations."
Emphasizing that France will never recognize the illegal annexation of land in the West Bank, Colas said, "From an economic perspective, as requested by the UN, all states must make a distinction between Israeli territory and the territories occupied since 1967."