The United Nations’ highest court has ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967 is “illegal“, noting that it must end “as soon as possible” and adding that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law, in an opinion issued today.

The opinion of the judges at the International Court of Justice is not binding, but it has weight, according to international law.

“The Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been erected and are being maintained in violation of international law,” said Court President Nawaf Salam, reading the findings of a panel of 15 judges.

The Court also rules that Israel must compensate for damages caused by the occupation of the Palestinian territories.

The case had started after a request from her of the UN General Assembly, of 2022 before the current war between Israel and Hamas.

The UN General Assembly had asked the Court to assess the legal consequences of Israel’s “prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation” of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and related policies of the Israeli government.