Ramallah, 25 June 2024 (TDI): On 25 June 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine thanked Libya for the Visa fee exemption. The Ministry said that it considers the move a testament to the strong Libyan-Palestinian ties.
Palestine expressed gratitude to the Council of Ministers of the National Unity Government for exempting visas and residence fees. Furthermore, this shows Libya’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their struggle for statehood and independence.
Within the scope of its ongoing care for them, the National Unity Government also reaffirmed Libya’s willingness to treat the Palestinian community in Libya in the same manner as Libyan nationals.
Libya has once again demonstrated its support for the cause of Palestine by implementing the visa and residence fee exemption policy.
Mass Displacement in Gaza
Israel’s indiscriminate attacks have forced over 80% of the total population to flee Gaza. The residence and visa fee exemption policy announcement comes at a time when approximately 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced.
With the health sector collapsing and the financial sector under siege, such aid provides much-needed relief for the persecuted Palestinians.
Palestine-Libya Ties
Libya is amongst the 28 UN member states that do not recognize Israel. After the meeting between the foreign ministers of Israel and Libya in August last year, demonstrations followed. Resultantly, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh reiterated Libya’s full support for the cause of Palestine.
“Prime Minister Dbeibeh extends absolute support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest to regain their full rights and for the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” stated the Foreign Ministry of Libya.
Libya’s Intervention in ICJ Genocide Lawsuit
Libya formally submitted a declaration to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene in the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip. It believes that Israel’s conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide against the Palestinian people.
Also Read: Palestine hails Cuba’s intervention in ICJ genocide lawsuit
“It believes that acts and omissions by Israel are of genocidal character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial, and ethnical group.
The Libyan Ministry also stated that “The conduct of Israel through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities acting on its instructions or direction, control or influence in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, violates its obligations under the Genocide Convention”
Furthermore, Libya aims to guarantee that the Convention’s terms are applied equally and indiscriminately. The world community must ensure the impartial application of international law.
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