ICC Directs Groups to Use Term ‘State of Palestine’ in Submissions

Bolivia Joins South Africa’s ICJ Case

THE HAGUE (KI) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally requested that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions, including those with support from Germany and the Zionist regime, use the term “State of Palestine” in their written submissions, replacing the previously used designation “Palestine.”

The ICC’s language directive relates to its ongoing investigation into issues concerning Palestine, a case that has drawn attention from several international entities. Various organizations, many of which are aligned with German and Israeli perspectives, have complied with the court’s request by updating the terminology in their documents.
Notable organizations revising their submissions include the European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ), UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), the ALMA Association for the Advancement of International Humanitarian Law, the Israel Law Center, and the Al-Quds Institute of Justice.
High-profile individuals, such as U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, Prof. Dr. David Chilstein, and attorney Yael Vias Gvirsman, who represents Israelis, have also amended their terminology in line with the ICC’s instructions. Previously using “Palestine” in their submissions, they now reference the “State of Palestine” as per the court’s directive.
This language adjustment aligns with the diplomatic status the ICC grants Palestine. The ICC Assembly of States Parties officially recognized Palestine as a member state in 2015, after it deposited its accession to the Rome Statute, the court’s founding treaty, with the UN Secretary-General.
Meanwhile, Bolivia has joined South Africa’s case against the Zionist regime at the International Court of Justice that asserts the Israeli Gaza aggression breaches the UN Genocide Convention, the court said on Wednesday.
The South American country is the latest of several nations, including Colombia, Libya, Spain and Mexico, adding their weight to the case against Israel.
Bolivia already announced in November it was severing diplomatic ties over what it described as the “disproportionate” attacks on Gaza by Israel.
In a January 26 ruling that made headlines around the world, the ICJ told Israel to do everything possible to prevent acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza.
The court has also ordered Israel to ensure “unimpeded access” to UN-mandated investigators to look into allegations of genocide.