Israel's presence in occupied Palestinian territories is illegal: UN court

The top UN court says Israel's presence in the Palestinian occupied territories is unlawful and called on it to end.

The International Court of Justice said in its non-binding opinion issued on Friday that Israel has abused its status as the occupying power in the West Bank and east Jerusalem by carrying out policies of annexing territory, imposing permanent control and building settlements.

It said such acts render "Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful. It says its continued presence was illegal" and should be ended as rapidly as possible".

The top United Nations court said Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank and east Jerusalem violates international law, as it delivered a non-binding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state, a ruling that could have more effect on international opinion than it will on Israeli policies.

International Court of Justice President Nawaf Salam was expecte