Israeli settlements violate international law, U.N.'s top court says in a landmark opinion

Policies and practices used by Israel in its occupation of Palestinian territories are in breach of international law, the United Nations’ top court said in a landmark opinion Friday.

The International Court of Justice said in its opinion, which was read out by Judge Nawaf Salam, president of the world body, that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as “the regime associated with them,” were established and are being maintained in violation of international law.

The ICJ said Israel should cease all new settlement activities and evacuate settlers from Palestinian territories.

It further said that Israel systematically discriminated against Palestinians and branded the occupation of the territories as “de facto annexation,” and that Israel’s exploitation of natural resources in the Palestinian territories likewise violates international law.