ICJ rules Israel in violation of international law in West Bank, E. J'lm
( UN WEB TV)
The International Court of Justice in the Hague on Friday found Israel was in violation of international law in its continued occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in its settlement policies, settling of its population in the territory and use of the natural resources of the territory and must ends its occupation as quickly as possible.
The court found Israel failed to ensure an adequate supply of water and other resources, as an administrator of the territory, responsible for the local population. It obstructs the Palestinians right to self-determination and discriminates against them in its practices and legislation.
The session is presided over by the president of the panel former Lebanese UN ambassador Nawaf Salem who has been an outspoken critic of Israel during his 11-year term. He joined the court after leaving his post as Beirut's envoy in 2018 and was appointed president earlier this year.
In its opinion the ICJ said Israel's military rule over the West Bank caused the forced transfer and deportation of Palestinians against their will and that Israel fails to protect the Palestinian population from the violence of settlers.
On Jerusalem, the court says despite Israel's affirmation that E. Jerusalem is a part of its capital and its own territory the court found it was occupied territory and that Israel treats Palestinian residents as foreigners.
ICJ finds that Israel's policies and practices entrench Israel's control of the Palestinian territories, are designed for Israel to remain in the territories indefinitely and therefore constitute annexation.
ICJ concludes that a broad array of measures taken by Israel, including the treatment of Palestinians differently cannot be justified. Therefore the restrictions imposed by Israel on Palestinians, constitute systematic discrimination against Palestinians.
ICJ finds that the extended occupation of the territories undermines the rights of Palestinians to self-determination.
ICJ says Israel's conduct on the ground affects the legality of its occupation. Israel's assertion of sovereignty constitutes a violation of law. Israel is not entitled to sovereignty over any part of the territory.
ICJ says Israel must immediately end all settlement activity and leave the territory it occupies as soon as possible, including providing restitution to the Palestinian population. Israel must evacuate all settlers from the settlements, or alternative compensate for any material damage caused by its illegal occupation.
ICJ finds it has jurisdiction to give the opinion and decides to comply with the request of the opinion.
In conclusion, the ICJ says all UN member states must therefore refrain from recognizing any situation arising from Israel's illegal presence in the Palestinian territories or provide any assistance to preserve the conditions created by Israel's prolonged presence there.