ICJ Declares Israel’s Occupation of West Bank and East Jerusalem Unlawful
The United Nations’ top court in The Hague declared Israel’s 57-year occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem as “unlawful,” urging Israel to end its presence, dismantle settlements, and pay reparations.
Non-Binding Decision
While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued this advisory decision, it is non-binding and may not significantly impact the situation on the ground, where approximately 700,000 Israelis reside. Nevertheless, it marks the first time the court has ruled on the legality of Israel’s occupation, impacting Israel’s global standing.
Reactions
ICJ President Nawaf Salam stated, “Israel must end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory promptly.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision as “lies,” asserting, “The Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the decision “historic,” demanding Israel’s compliance.
Additional Legal Matters
The ICJ is also reviewing charges from South Africa, alleging Israel’s 10-month war against Hamas in Gaza constitutes genocide, an accusation Israel denies. The conflict began after Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 38,000 Gazan deaths, per Gaza’s health ministry.
Historical Context
Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip during the 1967 war. Since then, Israeli settlers have established communities deemed illegal by the international community. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, and Hamas took control in 2007 following a civil war with Fatah. Israel then imposed a blockade, intensified during the ongoing conflict post the October 7 Hamas attack.
Current Conflict
Violence has escalated in the West Bank, with increased Israeli raids on Palestinian militants and intensified settler attacks on Palestinians. The ICJ’s opinion predates the current Gaza war, requested by the U.N. General Assembly before the conflict began.