The World Court finds the occupation unlawful

The International Court of Justice advised yesterday that Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and should end “as rapidly as possible”, that new settlement activity should stop, and that reparation is owed.

The opinion goes beyond Israel. The Court said all states are under an obligation not to recognise the situation as lawful and not to give aid or assistance in maintaining it.

Advisory opinions are not binding in themselves. They are the Court's statement of what the law already requires, and General Assembly votes, trade policy and diplomatic statements will now be measured against them. Caricom governments that have recognised Palestine will face that test sooner than most.