International Court of Justice - UN-Judge: Israel's occupation and settlements in Palestinian territories are illegal
The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is, according to the International Court of Justice, unlawful. Israeli settlement policy in the occupied territories also violates international law. Israel is factually making itself accountable for annexation, as the International Court of Justice in The Hague states in a legal opinion.
This legal opinion is not legally binding. However, it is expected that it will increase international political pressure on Israel. This pressure has recently increased significantly due to Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. Israel is currently fighting against Hamas, an Islamic terrorist organization, following a terror attack at the beginning of October that resulted in hundreds of deaths. The war has serious consequences for the civilian population.
The UN General Assembly had asked the court to clarify the legal consequences of Israel's almost 60-year-old occupation policy. This was long before the start of the Gaza war. However, even Western critics of Israel can now be satisfied, as Israel is being urged to withdraw and support the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israel has ignored legal opinions for 20 years
Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967. The Palestinians claim these territories for their own state. In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza but continued to control borders to the land, water, and air.
This is the second legal opinion of the Court regarding Israel's occupation policy. In July 2004, the judges had already declared that the wall Israel built in the West Bank against international law and must be demolished. Israel did not comply.
Today's presented opinion is independent of the other proceedings before the International Court. In 2023, South Africa brought Israel before the court and accused the country of genocide due to its attacks on the Gaza Strip. Israel denies these allegations.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague has once again highlighted Israel's responsibility in the occupation of Palestinian territories, including Gaza, by stating that its annexation policies are unlawful. Despite several legal opinions, Israel has consistently ignored these rulings for over two decades.
