UN court declares Israeli settlements in West Bank, East Jerusalem illegal

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial body of the United Nations, has declared that Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violates international law.

This non-binding advisory opinion addresses the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of territories sought for a Palestinian state and may significantly influence international opinion, even if it has limited impact on Israeli policies, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

ICJ President Nawaf Salam is expected to spend about an hour delivering the full opinion of the 15-judge panel, composed of members from various countries. In part of the opinion, President Salam stated that the panel found "the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israel’s maintenance of their presence, is contrary to Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention."

The court expressed "grave concern" over the ongoing expansion of Israel's settlement policy.

Additionally, the ICJ determined that Israel's exploitation of natural resources in the occupied territories is "inconsistent" with its obligations under international law as an occupying power.

This ruling comes amid the backdrop of a severe 10-month military assault on Gaza by Israel, triggered by Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. In a related case, the ICJ is considering a claim by South Africa that Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes genocide, a charge that Israel strongly denies.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek all three regions for an independent state. Israel views the West Bank as disputed territory, asserting that its future should be resolved through negotiations, and has established settlements there to reinforce its claim. Israel has annexed East Jerusalem, a move not recognized internationally, and withdrew from Gaza in 2005 but has maintained a blockade since Hamas took control in 2007. The international community generally considers these territories to be occupied.