The International Court of Justice said on Friday that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem violates international law, the first time the world’s highest court has laid out its stance on an issue that has been the subject of debates and resolutions at the United Nations for decades.
The court was issuing an advisory opinion that, while not binding, carries authority and legal weight.
It is unlikely to shape Israeli policy but could affect international opinion.
“The Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the regime associated with them have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law,” the court’s president, Nawaf Salam, said as he issued the opinion at the Peace Palace in The Hague.Friday’s pronouncement received heightened attention because of the war in Gaza, which began more than nine months ago, and because of a separate genocide case brought in the same court by South Africa against Israel in December over its conduct in the war.
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@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Can a decision that's considered legally authoritative but not enforceable make a real difference in international conflicts?
@9R4TQL3Independent2yrs2Y
It definitely can, if the question is if it should then I would also say yes. Or may not be enforceable, but it should be a metric of what the country ought to do.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
How might the world react if their own country faced similar accusations from the International Court of Justice?
@9R4TQL3Independent2yrs2Y
I would feel extremely ashamed. I would feel guilty that I had not taken a stand as a citizen sooner. It would be morally reprehensible.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
What responsibilities do countries have to adhere to international laws, especially regarding human rights?
@9R4TQL3Independent2yrs2Y
I think that if most countries around the world are pointing a finger at your country and saying “that’s not right,” then the country should be actively evaluating themselves. A lot of times that pointing finger is international law. It’s a moral responsibility and one that Israel should uphold.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Should international opinions influence a country’s actions regarding territory occupation?
@9R4TQL3Independent2yrs2Y
Absolutely, yes. If everyone around you honks you’re doing wrong, chances are, YOU’RE DOING WRONG.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
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