THE International Court of Justice in the Hague (The World Court) has found that the vast concrete wall that Israel is building on Palestinian land, separating people from their lands, schools, hospitals and work places, is illegal, and must be demolished.

Compensation should be paid to those who have suffered greatly, or whose houses have been demolished to make way for the wall.

Of course the Israelis say they won't accept the judgement. What does world opinion mean to people determined on a wrong course?

In July 1996 the same court declared nuclear weapons illegal, and found no circumstances in which they could be used except perhaps where the existence of a nation was at stake.

Did Britain accept this ruling? No! Nor did Israel or the USA.

Now, in the USA, distinguished lawyers have found that the savage attack on Iraq was illegal too. What about compensation for the terrible damage caused, and the 10,000 people killed by "allied" forces?

The world's powerful nations make up rules to suit themselves.

They disregard morality, treaties signed, international law and even their own laws.

When, and how, can we make nations follow the basic principles of justice, human rights, liberty and truth they claim to hold dear?

And let's start with the United Kingdom.

Joyce Pickard,

Saville Grove, York.

Updated: 11:17 Thursday, July 15, 2004