THE HAGUE: The United Nations’ highest court docket stated that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are unlawful and all states ought to cooperate to deliver an finish to the Israel-Palestinian battle, in an vital advisory opinion issued on Friday (Jul 19).
The findings by judges on the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice (ICJ), often called the World Courtroom, are usually not binding however carry weight underneath worldwide legislation and should weaken help for Israel.
“Israeli settlements within the West Financial institution and East Jerusalem, and the regime related to them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of worldwide legislation,” President Nawaf Salam stated, studying the findings of a 15-judge panel.
The opinion stated that Israel ought to pay reparations to Palestinians for damages brought on by the occupation. It additionally discovered that the UN Safety Council, the Normal Meeting and all states have an obligation to not recognise the occupation as authorized and to not give assist or help towards sustaining it.
The case stems from a 2022 request from the UN Normal Meeting, predating the war in Gaza that started in October.
Israel captured the West Financial institution, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem – areas of historic Palestine which the Palestinians need for a state – in a 1967 conflict and has since constructed settlements within the West Financial institution and steadily expanded them.