The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially requested that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other institutions, including those supported by Germany and Israel, use the term “State of Palestine” in their written submissions, instead of the previously used “Palestine.”
This request is tied to the ICC’s ongoing investigation into matters related to Palestine, a case that has gained attention from international actors. Several organisations, many associated with German and Israeli views, have updated their language in compliance with the ICC’s directive.
Among the groups that have made these changes are the European Centre 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 Jerusalem Institute of Justice.
Prominent figures like US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, Prof. Dr David Chilstein, and attorney Yael Vias Gvirsman, who represents Israeli interests, have also modified their terminology, now using “State of Palestine” as instructed by the court.
This adjustment reflects the diplomatic standing the ICC affords Palestine, which became an ICC member state in 2015 after joining the Rome Statute, the court’s foundational treaty.
The State of Palestine is now recognised by 146 countries worldwide.
In Palestine, in more than a year, Israel has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, and more than 97,300 left injured, according to health authorities.
