The UN’s top court has ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is against international law in a landmark opinion, marking the first time the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a position on the legality of the 57-year occupation.
The decision by the ICJ, while non-binding, condemns Israel’s longstanding presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as unlawful, citing violations of international law and urging Israel to withdraw and provide full reparation for damage caused.
The advisory opinion may weaken support for Israel. Palestine hailed the ruling, whereas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced it as unsubstantiated claims.