ICJ case on Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories

International Court of Justice proceeding Not to be confused with International Criminal Court investigation in Palestine , South Africa's genocide case against Israel , or Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory . Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem , was a proceeding before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest legal body of the United Nations (UN), stemming from a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2022 requesting the Court to render an advisory opinion relating to the legality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories . Israel has occupied the Palestinian territories, which comprise the West Bank (including East Jerusalem ) and the Gaza Strip , since 1967, making it the longest military occupation in modern history. In 2004, the ICJ delivered an advisory opinion on the Israeli West Bank barrier , deciding that it contravened international law and should be removed. In January 2023, the ICJ acknowledged the UNGA's request for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. Public hearings opened on 19 February 2024 at the ICJ's seat in The Hague , with 52 states and three international organizations presenting legal arguments — the largest number of parties to participate in any single case in the ICJ's history. The court's advisory opinion was delivered on 19 July 2024, determining that the Palestinian territories constitute one political unit and that Israel's occupation since 1967, and the subsequent creation of Israeli settlements and exploitation of natural resources, are illegal under international law. The court also ruled that Israel should pay full reparations to the Palestinian people for the damage the occupation has caused, and determined that its policies violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination . The Palestinian Authority welcomed the decision as historic, while the Israeli government formally rejected it, stating a political settlement can only be attained through negotiations; Israeli leaders and politicians further decried the ruling as antisemitic . The court's opinion was backed by the European Union but criticized by the United States . On 18 September 2024, the UNGA adopted a resolution calling for the end, within a year, to Israel's "unlawful presence" in the West Bank and Gaza. "Israel must end its occupation of Palestine to stop fuelling apartheid and systematic human rights violations" . "Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the OPT (Request for Advisory Opinion) – Public hearings schedule 19 to 26 February 2024 – ICJ Press Release" . Ghousoon Bisharat, 'Israel always sold the occupation as legal. "UN General Assembly widely supports a Palestinian resolution demanding Israel end its occupation" .