The International Court of Justice ruled in an advisory opinion on Friday that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is illegal.
The statement called on Israel to end its presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as soon as possible.
The United States, which is Israel's main international backer, claims the statement could hinder efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Request for caution statement
Advisory opinions issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague are not binding, but they nevertheless carry great weight.
The United States had previously asked the International Court of Justice to issue a cautious statement that would not include an order for Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories. The United States claimed on Saturday that the withdrawal statement was inconsistent with the framework for resolving the conflict.
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The United States also warns against using the UN court's statement as a pretext for taking actions that would create further discord.
Kamala Harris and Antony Blinken are on opposite sides of President Joe Biden. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP/NTB
All countries are required
However, the US State Department stated that it “has been clear that Israel's state support regime for settlements is inconsistent with international law and is an obstacle to peace.”
The International Court of Justice said in its statement on Saturday that all countries in the world are obligated to comply with international law and distinguish between Israeli and Palestinian territories.
The Palestinian Authority described Friday as a great day for Palestine. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that “the Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land.”
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Eddie: A clear message to Israel
The statement is very strong, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (AFP) said on Friday.
“This is a clear and unambiguous message to Israel, which we expect it to adhere to immediately,” Barth Eide said in an email to NTB.
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It was the UN General Assembly that in 2022 asked the International Court of Justice to assess the legality of “Israel’s prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation” of Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
These areas have been occupied since 1967, and Israel has since established settlements that today house about 700,000 Israelis.
Support from the European Union
The European Union also commented on the ICJ statement on Saturday. The EU's foreign affairs chief says it is largely in line with the EU's position.
– In a world witnessing ongoing and increasing violations of international law, it is our moral duty to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to follow all decisions of the International Court of Justice, says Foreign Affairs Minister Josep Borrell.
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