THE HAGUE: The United Nations’ highest court declared that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal. The advisory opinion calls for ending the Israel-Palestinian occupation. The court urged all states to cooperate to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict. #IsraelPalestinianOccupation
The findings by judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), known as the World Court, are not binding but carry weight under international law and may weaken support for Israel.
“Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law,” President Nawaf Salam said, reading the findings of a 15-judge panel.
The opinion said that Israel should pay reparations to Palestinians for damages caused by the occupation. It also found that the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and all states have an obligation not to recognise the occupation as legal and not to give aid or support toward maintaining it.
The case stems from a 2022 request from the UN General Assembly, predating the war in Gaza that began in October. #IsraelPalestinianOccupation
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem – areas of historic Palestine which the Palestinians want for a state – in a 1967 war and has since built settlements in the West Bank and steadily expanded them.
Israeli leaders argue the territories aren’t occupied legally due to disputed lands. However, the UN views them as part of the Israel-Palestinian occupation.
In February, more than 50 states presented their views before the court, with Palestinian representatives asking the court to find that Israel must withdraw from all the occupied areas and dismantle illegal settlements.
