ICJ Rules 57-Year-Long Israeli Occupation Illegal, BDS an Obligation

Aug 21, 2024, 02:35 PM

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel's occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank is illegal, a decision that could have significant legal and political implications. The ruling suggests that the 57-year-long occupation must end as rapidly as possible, aligning with international law. This development comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and increased recognition of Palestinian statehood, which may influence the International Criminal Court's (ICC) stance on allowing war crime charges against Israeli leaders like Netanyahu and Gallant. The ICJ's advisory opinion also indicates that Israel has no right of self-defense against attacks from Gaza, as Gaza remains under occupation post-2005 withdrawal. Additionally, the ICJ has found that the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is not just a right but an obligation, further intensifying the international discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.