The advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice 9th August has clearly affirmed Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law. The 14-1 majority opinion regards any part of the Israeli security wall, which diverges from the 1967 Armistice Line – known as the Green Line – and encroaches on occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank, as illegal. In doing so, it rejected Israel's illegitimate security justifications for the wall.

To date, Israel has deflected its legal obligations by insisting that the wall is a "temporary" structure. There is nothing temporary about the wholesale destruction of Palestinian agricultural land and houses to make way for the wall. There is nothing temporary about the settlements already built. There is nothing temporary about the "Israeli-only" roads that criss-cross the West Bank. There is nothing temporary about the severe economic hardships and emotional trauma inflicted on the oppressed Palestinian population. And it is obvious to most, that the massive cost of building such a wall is anything but "temporary".

Although not binding, the advisory opinion adds considerable weight to the "discomfort" already being felt in the international community about Israel's continual disregard of its legal responsibilities as an occupying state. It would be shameful if our own government refused to support any UN resolutions that would require Israel to comply with its obligations under international law. In fact, Australia should be implementing economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure against Israel immediately.

Sonja Karkar
President
Women for Palestine