The International Court of Justice in the Hague has ruled that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law. The non-binding ruling calls on Israel to end its presence there ‘as rapidly as possible.’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the ruling ‘absurd.’

The Hague

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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has declared that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law. This non-binding ruling calls for Israel to end its presence in these regions as quickly as possible. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the ruling as 'absurd.'

The ICJ found that Israel has no legal right to control the Palestinian territories seized over fifty years ago, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The court has also denounced the construction of Jewish settlements in these areas, which has been accelerating, supported by influential Israeli officials who advocate for annexation. 

The ruling comes amid heightened tensions following recent attacks by Hamas, which have led to violent clashes, including attacks by settlers on neighboring villages and resulting Palestinian casualties. According to the court, both soldiers and settlers must evacuate these territories immediately—a pronouncement welcomed by Palestinians. They interpret this as an obligation for Israel to end what they label as an 'illegal colonial enterprise' outright.

Despite the ICJ's decision, which many see as a significant development, Israel's response has been dismissive. The Israeli parliament recently voted overwhelmingly against recognizing Palestinian statehood. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that Jewish people are not occupiers but inhabitants of their ancestral homeland.

The ICJ ruling is expected to influence international stances on Israel’s occupation, with other countries being directed to treat the occupation as illegal. Some nations, including Canada, the U.S., and European countries, have already implemented sanctions against extremist settlers, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Israel’s position on this matter might face increasing pressure as the majority of UN member states could consider the ICJ’s ruling as a normative guideline.



UN top court calls Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands ‘unlawful’

The ruling is not binding but it is clear. The state of Israel's continued presence in the occupied territory is unlawful. The UN's top court found Israel has no right to control Palestinian territories it captured more than 50 years ago. The West Bank and East Jerusalem. No right to build Jewish settlements there. The settlements have been expanding at a record pace. Pushed by key Israeli cabinet ministers. Fervent settlers themselves who want to annex the territories. That and tensions after the October 7th attacks by Hamas has stoked violent confrontations. Settlers attacking neighboring villages. Palestinians killed. The court says soldiers and settlers have to evacuate immediately. A ruling cheered by Palestinians. This means Israel is under obligation to end this illegal colonial enterprise unconditionally. And in our view that means immediately and totally. Israel whose parliament overwhelmingly rejected Palestinian statehood this week calls the ruling absurd. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posting that the Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land. Our ancestral home. I think it's a bombshell. The ruling directs other countries to treat Israel's occupation as illegal. I don't think Israel will be able to ignore it because I don't think the majority of the member states of the United Nations will not ignore it. They will look at it as guidance. Settler violence has already prompted Canada, the U.S. and European countries to sanction extremists and push Israel harder for a Palestinian state. The world court just gave legal justification. Sacha Petricic, CBC News, Toronto.

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