Top U.N. Court Rules Israel Violated Laws --- Judges say nation occupies Palestinian lands and should pay reparations

 

"The United Nations' highest court said in an opinion Friday that Israel has violated various international laws in its decadeslong occupation of Palestinian territories and that Israel should offer reparations.

The International Court of Justice said Israel had broken rules established in multiple global agreements in its practices regarding the construction of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, the demolition of Palestinian homes, land appropriation, restrictions on Palestinians' access to resources in occupied lands and other discriminatory policies.

The court voted 11 to 4 that Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful, and that Israel is obligated to end it as soon as possible. The court voted 14 to 1 that Israel is obligated to end all new settlement activity and evacuate all settlers from the occupied territories.

The ICJ hears disputes between governments. It often lacks power to enforce its rulings.

The case follows a U.N. General Assembly request in December 2022 that the court provide an advisory opinion on the legality of Israel's decadeslong occupation and its practices and policies toward Palestinians. The General Assembly asked the court to examine violations of Palestinians' rights including Israeli settlement expansion in and annexation of occupied Palestinian territory.

The court Friday said that under international law, occupation is meant to be temporary, and that an occupying power has legal responsibilities toward residents of occupied territories. Israel, the court said, has committed acts that suggest its occupation of Palestinian territory isn't meant to be temporary and that Israel has neglected some of its duties as an occupying power. The court considered the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territory.

The ICJ case on Israeli occupation is separate from another ongoing ICJ case brought forward by South Africa that asserts Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people as it operates militarily in Gaza since October. Israel has denounced accusations of genocide and said that its military operations are intended to destroy Hamas and free hostages." [1]

1. World News: Top U.N. Court Rules Israel Violated Laws --- Judges say nation occupies Palestinian lands and should pay reparations. Abdel-Baqui, Omar.  Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 20 July 2024: A.7.