Norway has declared the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation of Palestine as "crystal clear," urging Israel to cease its violations of international law. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry stated on X that Israel's policies amount to the annexation of large parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a practice that must end.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reinforced this message on X, emphasizing that the ICJ's ruling sends an unequivocal directive to Israel, which should be acted upon without delay.
In a landmark decision, the ICJ has ordered Israel to rapidly end its occupation of Palestinian territories and to make full reparations for its internationally wrongful acts. The court identified numerous breaches of international law by Israel, including activities constituting apartheid.
Nawaf Salam, the president of the ICJ, highlighted that Israel’s violations, including the illegal acquisition of territory and denial of Palestinian self-determination, render Israel’s occupation unlawful under international law.
Since the onset of conflict on October 7, over 38,900 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with most victims being women and children, according to Gaza's health authorities. The region faces severe destruction amid a blockade limiting access to food, water, and medicine.
The ICJ’s latest ruling also orders Israel to halt operations in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6. Israel now faces accusations of genocide at the ICJ.