International Court of Justice declares Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza illegal, US ‘expresses concern’ about International Court of Justice decision declaring Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza illegal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recent decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), confirming that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, has elicited both support and condemnation.

The US State Department expressed concern that the scope of the Court’s opinion could complicate efforts to resolve the conflict and achieve a much-needed just and lasting peace. They added that the Court’s directive for Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian territories as soon as possible contradicts the existing framework for resolving the conflict, which considers Israel’s security needs, particularly in light of Hamas attacks.

The ICJ issued its harshest opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the settlements built there are illegal.

Israel rejected the Court’s opinion, asserting that any political settlement can only be achieved through negotiations.

The Office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the Court’s opinion, calling it historic.