UN Court Declares Israeli Settlements Illegal

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. This advisory opinion, which is not binding, was issued following a request from the U.N. General Assembly to assess the legal ramifications of Israel's occupation and policies in these regions.

The United Nations' highest court has issued an advisory opinion stating that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), known as the World Court, found that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are being maintained in violation of 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," said President Nawaf Salam, reading the findings of the 15-judge panel.

The case originates from a 2022 request by the U.N. General Assembly seeking an appraisal of the legal consequences of Israel's prolonged occupation, settlement, and annexation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, along with associated Israeli government policies.