Jerusalem: The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel's continued occupation of the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful. The court ruled that Israel should withdraw from these areas as soon as possible. Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, announced the verdict on Friday.
In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. These are the areas considered by the Palestinians to be part of the independent Palestinian state. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, and Hamas took power in 2007. However, Israel considers East Jerusalem as part of its territory and the West Bank as disputed territory.
However, Israel's occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem has not been recognized by world nations. These three areas are considered occupied territories by the international community. Israel's action is a violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and their associated administrations are established and maintained in violation of international law.
The International Court of Justice's 15-judge panel also assessed that Israel's policies and actions aimed at occupying large parts of the Palestinian territories. It found that Israel discriminated against Palestinians in the occupied territories.
It was in 2022 that the United Nations General Assembly approached the International Court of Justice against Israel.
Another case filed by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza is under the consideration of the court. The ICJ ruled that the huge wall built by Israel to separate the West Bank 20 years ago is against international law. However, Israel boycotted the ruling, saying it was politically motivated.