Chile: “Systematic Violation of International Law is Part of Israel’s State Policy”

Ximena Fuentes Torrijo, speaking on behalf of Chile at the hearing in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stated, “The systematic violation of international law is part of Israel’s state policy.” Chile delivered the final speech of the day at the hearings on the “Legal Consequences of Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories” held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Ximena Fuentes Torrijo, representing Chile, emphasized the documentation by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights since October 7th, highlighting the rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including executions, mass arbitrary arrests, and disproportionate use of force resulting in ill-treatment. Pointing out that senior Israeli officials have clearly stated their lack of intention to guarantee the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, Torrijo noted, “Instead, the occupation has become indistinguishable from annexation. Because Israel neither sees itself as a temporary occupier nor acts as such. Israel’s policies contradict the possibility of achieving a two-state solution and sustainable peace in the region.”

“Israel is obliged to stop these violations, fully compensate, and provide appropriate assurances against recurrence”
Torrijo stated that Israel’s occupation has turned into annexation, saying, “Israel’s systematic violations require an end to the occupation to effectively protect the rights of Palestinians. Israel is obligated to stop these violations, fully compensate, and provide appropriate assurances against recurrence. Other states are also obligated to collaborate to end this situation.”
Torrijo also pointed out that the exploitation of Palestine’s natural resources demonstrates Israel’s attempt to exercise sovereignty over these territories, stating, “With actions such as the exploitation of natural resources, settlement policies, and the legalization of outposts, Israel has demonstrated its intention to indefinitely control the occupied Palestinian territories.” Torrijo emphasized that the systematic violation of international law is part of Israel’s state policy.