Top UN court rules Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and calls for its end.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, stating that it is illegal and must end. The court called for an immediate halt to settlement construction and removal of existing settlements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the court’s opinion, asserting that the territories are part of the Jewish homeland. The ruling could influence international opinion and support for Palestinian statehood.

The ICJ highlighted various Israeli policies that violate international law, such as settlement expansion, exploitation of natural resources, and discriminatory actions against Palestinians. It affirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over these territories and is obstructing Palestinian self-determination. The United Nations Secretary-General will forward the advisory opinion to the General Assembly for further action.

The opinion follows recent conflicts, including Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Netanyahu criticized the ICJ’s decision as biased, while Palestinian representatives praised it as a significant step towards justice. The ruling also challenges the legal and political basis for Israel’s control over the territories and may prompt more countries to recognize a Palestinian state. The court’s previous rulings have similarly opposed Israeli policies, such as the West Bank separation barrier. Despite these decisions, Israel continues to expand settlements, integrating them into its domestic framework, which the international community largely views as illegal and obstructive to peace efforts.