Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, has said that the “future of freedom, justice and peace can begin here and now”.

“A finding from this distinguished court that the occupation is illegal and drawing the legal consequences from this determination would contribute to bringing it to an immediate end, paving the way to just and lasting peace,” he said while speaking in front of the ICJ.

“The state of Palestine appeals to this court to guide the international community in upholding international law,” he said.

“Ending injustice and achieving a just and lasting peace, to guide us towards a future in which Palestinian children are treated as children… in which the identity of the group to which we belong does not diminish the human rights to which we are all entitled,” Mansour added.

“A future in which no Palestinian and no Israeli is killed. A future in which two states live side by side in peace and security,” Mansour said.

“Palestinian only people only demand respect for their rights. They ask for nothing more,” Mansour said.