The UAE welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which considers Israeli settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem a violation of international law. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that the UAE emphasizes its rejection of all actions aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as all practices that violate international legality, which threaten further escalation and tensions in the region and hinder efforts to achieve peace and stability.
The ministry stressed the necessity of supporting all regional and international efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East and to put an end to the illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
On Friday, the ICJ stated in its advisory opinion that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. ICJ President Nawal Salam noted during the session, "Israeli settlement policies have fueled violence against Palestinians," pointing out that "Israel has accelerated the establishment of new settlements in the West Bank, totaling over 24,000 housing units." He added, "Israel's actions violate the law prohibiting the transfer of populations in occupied territories. There is no justification for applying Israeli law in the West Bank."
The case was considered based on a request submitted by the UN General Assembly in 2022, prior to the onset of the war launched by Israel on Gaza that has lasted for over nine months. The findings of the judges in The Hague, the highest court under the UN, are not binding but carry weight under international law.
