The ICJ has delivered its much-awaited advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip (the “OPT”). The ICJ ruled in a detailed and lengthy opinion issued on 19 July that Israel’s continued occupation of the OPT is contrary to various rules of international law, and that Israel must withdraw from the territory and evacuate all settlers as rapidly as possible.
In the course of its opinion, the ICJ ruled that Israel’s occupation violates the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including a right to an independent and sovereign State; is conducted in a way that violates the prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid, and amounts to annexation of territory in violation of the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force. The Court ruled that Israel must immediately cease its unlawful policies and practices and make reparations to all injured Palestinian natural and legal persons.
The advisory opinion has been widely reported, and is available here.
Paul Reichler, Philippe Sands KC and Zac Sammour acted for Palestine in the proceedings before the ICJ together with colleagues from outside of chambers.
Remi Reichhold acted for Mauritius, which was one of more than 50 States that participated in the proceedings.
