On September 11, 2024, in Cairo, Arab foreign ministers called on the international community to enforce the July 19 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which confirmed the illegality of Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. The ICJ ruling urged Israel to end its illegal occupation and immediately cease all settlement activities.
At the conclusion of the 162nd Ministerial Meeting of the Arab League Council, chaired by Yemen, the ministers stressed that all states and international organizations must refuse to recognize the legitimacy of Israel’s continued occupation. They also called on the United Nations, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council, to take additional measures to bring an end to Israel’s illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The ministers further urged the International Court of Justice to expedite its ruling on the case brought by South Africa against Israel for failing to meet its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. This case asserts that the Palestinian people are protected under the Convention and accuses Israel of non-compliance with provisional measures issued by the Court. The ministers condemned Israel's expulsion of Palestinians, labeling it a violation of international humanitarian law and a declaration of war that threatens regional peace and security.
They also tasked the Arab group at the United Nations in New York with pushing for Israel’s suspension from the General Assembly, citing its violations of the UN Charter and its threat to global peace. Additionally, the ministers rejected claims made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, asserting that these claims hinder peace negotiations.
The Arab foreign ministers also reaffirmed their support for Palestine’s bid for full United Nations membership and called on the Security Council to accept the application, following the General Assembly’s recognition of Palestine’s eligibility for full membership.