THE HAGUE: The United Nations’ highest court docket mentioned 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 essential advisory opinion issued on Friday (Jul 19).
The findings by judges on the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice (ICJ), referred to as the World Courtroom, usually are not binding however carry weight underneath worldwide legislation and will weaken assist 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 mentioned, studying the findings of a 15-judge panel.
The opinion mentioned 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 assist towards sustaining it.
The case stems from a 2022 request from the UN Normal Meeting, predating the struggle 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 struggle and has since constructed settlements within the West Financial institution and steadily expanded them.
