China tells ICJ: Palestinians have the right to use 'armed force' against Israel

Beijing tells historic hearing that armed struggle against occupation is a 'legitimate' and 'well founded' right

A Palestinian child sits amidst the debris of a building destroyed by Israel in Rafah on 22 February (AFP)

By MEE staff

Published date: 22 February 2024 13:35 GMT | Last update: 15 hours 29 mins ago

“The struggle waged by peoples for their liberation, right to self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation, aggression, domination against foreign forces should not be considered terror acts,” Zhang Jun told the court.

'The struggle waged by peoples for their liberation, right to self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation, aggression, domination against foreign forces should not be considered terror acts'

- Zhang Jun, China's UN ambassador

In his speech, Jun criticised Israeli policies, characterising them as “oppression that has severely undermined and impeded the exercises and full realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination".

The ICJ’s public hearings, which will be held until 26 February, come after a UN General Assembly resolution requesting an ICJ advisory opinion.

The number of states participating in the oral proceedings is the highest of any case since the ICJ's establishment in 1945 and is separate to the more publicised genocide case brought by South Africa.

A panel of 15 judges are expected to take about six months to deliberate before issuing an advisory opinion.

Besides China, other countries scheduled to participate in the hearings include Hungary, France, South Africa and Egypt.

International bodies, including the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union will also take part.

Israel will not participate but has sent written observations to the court. 

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinians-have-right-use-armed-force-against-israel-says-china-icj