ICJ rules Israel’s sustained occupation of Palestinian territory ‘unlawful’

In a landmark decision, the  International Court of Justice has declared that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is against international law.

The apex UN court called on the Israeli government to end all  settlement activities in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and its “illegal” occupation of those areas including  the Gaza Strip with immediate effect.

In an opinion delivered on Friday, the court listed some of the policies and practices that “amount to annexation” such as the expansion of settlements, the exploitation of natural resources, the proclamation of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the comprehensive application of Israeli domestic law in East Jerusalem and its extensive application in the West Bank, entrenching Israel’s control of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Israel is also “under an obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” recommending “reparation for the damage caused to all natural or legal persons concerned.”

It further stated that “all States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence” of Israel.

The court’s advisory opinion is not legally binding but still carries significant political weight. It marks the first time the ICJ has delivered a position on the legality of the 57-year occupation.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian presidency has described the decision of the ICJ as “a triumph for justice,” and “reaffirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the court had made a “decision of lies”.

Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in 1967 and has since built illegal settlements and expanded them.