Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice

The European Union takes good note of Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice in respect of the "Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem", reaching the following conclussions:

• the State of Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful needs to be brought to an end as rapidly as possible;
• the State of Israel is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
• all States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal this situation and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by this unlawful presence.

These conclussions are largely consistent with EU positions, which are themselves fully aligned on UN resolutions regarding the status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In a world of constant and increasing violations of international law, it is our moral duty to reafirm our unweavering commitment to all ICJ decisions in a consistent manner, irrespective of the subject in question.

The ICJ Advisory Opinion will need to be analysed more thoroughly, including in view of its implications for EU policy.