International Court directs Israel to compensate for the occupation of West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip
Israel opposes the decision
The Hague (Netherlands) – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to compensate Palestinians for the prolonged occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, citing misuse of power and violation of international laws. Israel captured these territories in 1967 after defeating Arab nations. This decision has sparked outrage among Israeli settlers in the West Bank, leading to an arson attack on the Palestinian village of Burin. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the decision as ‘absurd’.
Out of the 15 judges at the ICJ, 11 ruled against Israel. According to Reuters, the ICJ’s decision is advisory and cannot be enforced on Israel.
In a statement, Netanyahu asserted that Jews have not occupied Palestinian land; rather, they reside on their own land. He emphasized that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, not occupied territory, and claimed that the ICJ cannot deny historical truths.