ICJ Rules Israeli Occupation of Palestine is Illegal

SEAToday.com, The Hague - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday (7/19) ruled that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is “unlawful” and must end immediately.

The court declared Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, including Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem, is violating international law. It called for Israel to immediately end its presence, stop all settlement activities, and make up the damage that it caused. It also deemed Israel to have imposed discriminatory legislation and measures against Palestinians in the territories.

The ruling further stated that all nations were obliged not to “render aid or assistance in maintaining” Israel’s presence in the territory, and for the UN General Assembly and Security Council to consider further action to support cessation of Israeli presence.

The ruling was issued as an Advisory Opinion that the UN General Assembly had requested in Dec 2022. Although non-binding, the ruling carried legal weight and moral authority on an international level.