Israel presence in Palestinian land illegal: Top UN court

The Hague, NT Bureau: The top UN court says Israel's presence in the Palestinian occupied territories is “unlawful” and called for an end to this.

The International Court of Justice said in its nonbinding opinion issued on Friday that Israel has abused its status as the occupying power in the West Bank and east Jerusalem by carrying out policies of annexing territory, imposing permanent control and building settlements.

It said such acts render "Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful”.

It says its continued presence was ”illegal" and should be ended as “rapidly as possible". The top United Nations court also said Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank and east Jerusalem violates international law, a ruling that could have more effect on international opinion.

International Court of Justice President Nawaf Salam while reading out the full opinion of the panel, made up of 15 judges from around the world, said the panel had found that "the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israel's maintenance of their presence, is contrary to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention”.

The court also noted with “grave concern” that Israel's settlement policy has been expanding. The court also found that Israel's use of natural resources was “inconsistent” with its obligations under international law.