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Historic: ICJ Declares Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories is Illegal

July 19, 2024
Members of the Israeli security forces walk past the Dome of the Rock in the Haram al-Sharif compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on July 27, 2017. AFP PHOTO / AHMAD GHARABLI

In a landmark decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories to be against international law. The court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, delivered its advisory opinion stating that Israel must cease settlement activities in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and urgently end its “illegal” occupation of these areas along with the Gaza Strip. While the ICJ’s opinion is not legally binding, it holds substantial political significance. This is the first instance where the ICJ has pronounced on the legality of the 57-year occupation. The court has been scrutinizing the issue since early last year, following a request from the UN General Assembly for its view on Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians and the legal status of the occupation. ICJ President Nawaf Salam, announcing the findings, stated, “Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal.” He further emphasized that “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.” The court also ruled that Israel should evacuate all settlers and compensate Palestinians for the damages…


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