The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs proposed to the government that Slovenia participate in the procedures of the International Court of Justice, initiated by the United Nations General Assembly, regarding the criminal occupation activities in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the government approved.

The procedures were initiated by the United Nations General Assembly, based on a resolution adopted in December 2022, which Slovenia also supported at that time. This was a request directed to the International Court of Justice in The Hague for an advisory opinion on Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, and Israel's criminal violations of human rights.

The controversial occupation activities are:

1- The prolonged Israeli occupation, settlement, and annexation of Palestinian lands - since 1967.

2- The occupation's efforts to change the demographic composition, character, and status of Jerusalem.

3- Enactment of discriminatory laws and measures against Palestinians.

In light of the recent events in Gaza and the West Bank, Slovenia, as one of the few European Union countries, decided to participate and submit a complaint before the International Court of Justice.

Slovenia submits an official request

Tanaja Fajon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, said in a press conference following the adoption of the decision at the Government meeting of the Republic of Slovenia, that Slovenia's position on the Middle East conflict is clear and has been expressed several times, and we strongly condemn the violence practiced by Israel in Gaza and civilians must not be targeted.

She continued: We draw attention to the serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, more than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, 70% of whom are women and children. 1.9 million people have been displaced, nearly 85% of the total population. We strongly condemn any intention to expel the Palestinian population from Gaza or the West Bank and to reduce the Palestinian land area.

Slovenia has consistently called for additional sanctions against Israelis who carry out violence in the West Bank, as well as the establishment of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and the early start of the peace process based on the two-state solution, including international recognition.

Slovenia and South Africa

The court set February 19, 2024, as the date to start the oral session, and Slovenia's turn will be on February 23, as the request submitted to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion concerning the situation in Gaza.

Regarding the separate case filed by South Africa before the International Court of Justice, Minister Fajon said: “The procedures are private and no country can intervene or participate except South Africa and Israel, so we await the court's decision on the matter.

Slovenia supports the procedures regarding the violation of the Genocide Convention, and as Slovenia defends international law, it fully supports the work of the International Court of Justice and hopes that it issues its ruling on this case as soon as possible.