It is trite to say that international law and respect for the rule of law are important.
But word is cheap.
Ultimately, what counts is action.
In a recent ruling, the world's top court, the International Court of Justice, took a clear stand on Israel’s activities in Palestinian lands it has controlled since 1967.
From the forced displacement and demolition of the homes of Palestinians, the building of settlements, the imposition of restrictions on the free movement of Palestinians, the annexation of large swathes of territory, and more, the ICJ ruled that Israeli conduct contravened international law.
Alas, the ruling is non-binding and lacks enforcement power.
Israel has also not faced sanctions or punitive actions from any of its allies, beyond nominal words of criticism, exposing the latter to charges of hypocrisy and double standards.
If we want to see lasting and meaningful peace and justice in the Middle East, and the world writ large, meaningful actions must be taken to backstop and enforce international law.
Taking a long-term enlightened approach, this is also the only feasible way to turn a loser in an international court judgment into a winner, as it too will reap the dividend that comes from peaceful development.
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(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
