ICJ ruling on occupation

On July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, as illegal and demanding an immediate withdrawal. The court stated that Israel must cease all new settlement activities, evacuate over 750,000 settlers, and pay reparations to Palestinians, labeling the occupation as a form of apartheid. This ruling challenges long-standing assumptions in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and complicates relations with European allies who may prioritize international law in their diplomatic approaches. The ICJ's opinion, while non-binding, has been hailed by Palestinian leaders as a historic vindication of their rights, contrasting sharply with the dismissive response from Israeli officials. Furthermore, the ruling aligns with perspectives from several African nations, reinforcing their stance on colonialism and apartheid. The ICJ's decision could catalyze international efforts to hold Israel accountable and reshape future negotiations around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.