ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Barrier
In July 2004, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, issued its advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. While recognizing Israel’s right to “protect the life of its citizens” (para. 141), the ICJ stated that the sections of the Barrier which ran inside the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, together with the associated gate and permit regime, violated Israel’s obligations under international law.
It called on Israel to cease construction of the Barrier, “including in and around East Jerusalem”; dismantle the sections already completed; and “repeal or render ineffective all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto”. The Court also called on all States “not to recognize the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction” (para. 163).