Doha: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory urged Member States to use all reasonably available means to ensure the continued cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and a broad international support to Palestinian right to self-determination and Palestinian statehood.
According to Qatar News Agency, Chair of the Commission Navi Pillay stated that Member States should also focus on ensuring justice and accountability for all victims. This includes supporting the International Criminal Court in its investigations and using universal jurisdiction to conduct their own investigations, even involving dual nationals who are suspected of committing crimes.
Pillay noted that although the ceasefire may temporarily halt Israel’s territorial goals in Gaza, the changes made to the Gaza Strip have not been reversed. The Commission observed that Israeli officials consistently aim to establish permanent military control over Gaza and alter its demographic makeup. Essential civilian infrastructure and natural resources have been destroyed, the territory fragmented, and Palestinians forcibly transferred. Israeli officials have publicly supported plans for deportation, settlement construction, and annexation of the territory.
The Commission concluded that the Israeli occupation is responsible for committing genocidal acts in Gaza with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians there. Pillay mentioned that the Israeli President, Prime Minister, and former Defence Minister have incited genocide, and these findings are part of a report presented to the UN General Assembly Third Committee.
In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli policies and actions since October 2023 show a clear intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand Israeli Jewish civilian presence, and annex most of the West Bank. The aim is to prevent any potential Palestinian self-determination and statehood and maintain an indefinite occupation.