Israel presence in occupied territory 'unlawful', says UN

The top United Nations court has ruled that Israel's presence in the Palestinian-occupied territories is "unlawful" and called for it to end. The court pointed to the building and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, its annexation and imposition of permanent control over lands, and discriminatory policies against Palestinians.

- MIKE CORDER

The International Court of Justice was issuing a non-binding opinion on the legality of Israel's occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state, and the ruling is likely to have more effect on international opinion than it will on Israeli policies.

The court's panel of 15 judges from around the world said Israel has abused its status as the occupying power in the West Bank and East Jerusalem by carrying out policies of annexing territory, imposing permanent control and building settlements.

It said Israel must end settlement construction immediately. It said such acts render "Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful". It says its continued presence was "illegal" and should be ended as "rapidly as possible".

Israel, which normally considers the United Nations and international tribunals as unfair and biased, did not send a legal team to the hearings. However, it submitted written comments, saying that the questions put to the court are prejudiced and fail to address Israeli security concerns. Israeli officials have said the court's intervention could undermine the peace process, which has been stagnant for more than a decade.