UN’s Top Court Declares Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories Illegal
In a landmark opinion, the UN’s top court has declared that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated that Israel must cease settlement activities in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its “illegal” occupation of those areas, as well as the Gaza Strip, as soon as possible.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the court’s ruling as a “decision of lies.”
While the ICJ’s advisory opinion is not legally binding, it holds significant political weight. This marks the first time the ICJ has issued a stance on the legality of the 57-year occupation.
Based in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ began examining the issue last year at the request of the UN General Assembly. The court was asked to provide its view on Israel’s policies and practices towards the Palestinians and the legal status of the occupation.
Delivering the court’s findings, ICJ President Nawaf Salam stated that “Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal.”
“The State of Israel is under the obligation to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible,” he added.
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