Jakarta. Indonesia called on Israel to withdraw its forces from Palestinian territories during a recent public hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi presented Indonesia’s argument at the ICJ about the legal consequences of Israel occupying Palestinian territories. Indonesia said that the court must pronounce Israeli occupation illegal as a whole and consider it a violation of international laws. 

“Given the illegal nature of the occupation, Israel’s withdrawal must neither be done with pre-conditions nor subject to any negotiations. They must withdraw now. I repeat: they must withdraw now!” Retno spoke before the Hague-based ICJ on Friday.

Retno told the court that Israel should be obliged to make reparations to both Palestine and Palestinians.

“Please allow me to recall a legal maxim which states that no one may enjoy legal benefits from illegal actions. Therefore, Israel’s attempt to make its occupation permanent shall never be a valid ground to claim a legitimate title over the Palestinian territory,” Retno said.

She urged all states and the United Nations to not recognize the illegal situation arising from the violation of international law by Israel.

Retno added: “All states must not render any assistance to the maintenance of such violation. … All states and the UN should ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under international law.”

The ICJ is the UN's judicial organ. Over the past five days, the ICJ has been holding public hearings on the request for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation. The public hearing will continue until Monday. As many as 52 states, including three international organizations, are scheduled to deliver their statements before the UN court. ICJ’s advisory opinion is not legally binding but is set to carry great legal weight.

“No country is above the law. And the sanctity of this court must be upheld,” Retno said.

The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza has reached at least 29,410 since the conflict escalated on Oct. 7, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Thursday. 

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