UN court declares Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories illegal

The ICJ’s ruling, delivered on Friday, asserts that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are in direct violation of international law

Muslim Network TV Desk

The HAGUE, Netherlands (MNTV) – In a significant legal pronouncement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued an advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as illegal under international law.

This decision, articulated by ICJ President Nawaf Salam, underscores the international community’s stance on the decades-long conflict.

The ICJ’s ruling, delivered on Friday, asserts that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are in direct violation of international law.

President Salam emphasized that these settlements, along with the associated infrastructure and exploitation of natural resources, amount to “de-facto annexation,” designed to remain indefinitely in place.

The court has called for the evacuation of all settlements, dismantling of walls, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

This advisory opinion, while non-binding, holds substantial legal and moral weight.

It follows a request by the UN General Assembly in December 2022 for the court to evaluate Israel’s policies and practices towards Palestinians.

The opinion highlights that Israel’s transfer of settlers to occupied territories contravenes the Geneva Convention and that its exploitation of natural resources violates Palestinian sovereignty.

The ICJ’s findings come amid a broader context of legal challenges and international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories.

Earlier, South Africa had brought a case to the ICJ accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

Earlier this year, the ICJ ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts against Palestinians and to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Humanitarian organisations have persistently criticised Israel’s restrictions on aid, with famine threatening the region.

Israel’s occupation, recognized under international law since the 1967 war, includes East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.

The ICJ’s ruling reiterates that these areas are considered a single unit under international law, dismissing Israel’s argument that its 2005 withdrawal of settlers from Gaza ended its occupation there.

President Salam added that the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza were considered a single unit under international law.

The court’s opinion is based on international and humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.

It asserts that Israel’s settlement policies and exploitation of natural resources in Palestinian territories breach international law, amounting to systemic discrimination, segregation, and apartheid.

The ICJ has called for reparations for damages caused by the occupation.

In February, the ICJ heard submissions from 52 countries and three international organisations, the majority of which argued that the occupation is illegal.

This is the second advisory opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by the ICJ since 2004 when it declared the construction of Israel’s wall in occupied Palestine illegal.

This ruling by the ICJ, while non-binding, is expected to amplify international pressure on Israel and could impact its policies and practices in the Palestinian territories.

The advisory opinion carries immense political significance and marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.

Access complete advisory opinion here.