The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a landmark ruling, declaring Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, to be illegal under international law. The court’s advisory opinion, requested by the UN General Assembly in December 2022, calls for Israel to end its occupation ‘as rapidly as possible’ and to cease all settlement activities.The 15-judge panel found that Israel’s prolonged occupation threatens regional and international peace and security. The court condemned Israel’s policies, including the construction and expansion of settlements, exploitation of natural resources, and discriminatory practices against Palestinians. The ICJ stated that Israel has no right to sovereignty over these territories and is obligated to respect Palestinians’ right to self-determination.The ruling also demands that Israel make reparations for damages caused to Palestinians and calls on other nations to refrain from aiding or assisting in maintaining the occupation. While the ICJ’s opinion is not legally binding, it carries significant moral and political weight, potentially shaping international law and opinion.Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the ruling as a ‘triumph of justice,’ urging the international community to pressure Israel to end its occupation. Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the decision, asserting that ‘the Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land’ and that the territories are part of their historic homeland.Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mehran, an international law professor, told Okaz that this advisory opinion marks a turning point in the Palestinian issue, providing strong support for Palestinian rights and putting Israel in a precarious legal position internationally. The ruling is expected to fuel diplomatic and legal initiatives in international forums, potentially increasing pressure on Israel to recognize a Palestinian state.
Key points
- The ICJ has ruled that Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law.
- The court calls for Israel to end its occupation rapidly and cease all settlement activities.
- Palestinian leaders welcome the decision, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects it.
- The ruling, though not legally binding, carries significant moral and political weight.
Contradictions👾While Palestinian leaders view the ruling as a triumph of justice, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects it, claiming the territories are part of the Jewish people’s historic homeland.
