Jordan welcomes ICJ ruling on illegality of Israel's occupation of Palestine

By Laith Al-Jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) - Jordan on Friday welcomed an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that termed Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal under international law.

"It is a clear ruling on the side of Palestinians people’s right to justice, freedom and statehood," Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said in a statement on his X account.

"Israel’s reaction to the ICJ ruling and its Knesset resolution to prevent the fulfillment of Palestinian people’s right to freedom further proves Israel’s complete disregard to international law," he added.

The ICJ opinion, in response to a 2022 request by the UN General Assembly, said Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank is "unlawful" and should be brought to an end "as rapidly as possible." It said Israel should cease new settlement activities, and “evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Israel has rejected the non-binding advisory, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu terming it "absurd."

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Thursday had voted against the establishment of a Palestinian state, saying it will pose an existential threat to Israel.

"Israel’s impunity must end. Its war crimes must be stopped. Israel must be held accountable," Safadi said.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar