World Court says Israel's settlement policies are in breach of international law

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the day of the trial to hear a request for emergency measures by South Africa, who asked the court to order Israel to stop its military actions in Gaza and to desist from what South Africa says are genocidal acts committed against Palestinians during the war with Hamas in Gaza, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 11, 2024. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The World Court said on Friday that Israel's settlement policies and exploitation of natural resources in the Palestinian territories were in breach of international law.

The United Nations' highest court said that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories were illegal under international law, in an advisory opinion issued on Friday (July 19).

The findings by judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), known as the World Court, are not binding but carry weight under international law.

"Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law," president Nawaf Salam said, reading the findings of a 15-judge panel.

The case stems from a 2022 request from the UN General Assembly, predating the current Israel-Hamas conflict.

The UN Assembly asked the court to appraise the legal consequences of Israel's "prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation" of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and associated Israeli government policies.- Reuters