The international community has reacted strongly to the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which declared Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories illegal. Palestinian leaders have celebrated the decision as a significant step towards justice, while Israel and its key ally, the United States, have criticized the ruling.

Australia expressed respect for the ICJ’s role in upholding international law. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government called for Israel to halt settlement expansions and address extremist activities, emphasizing the need for concrete actions in response to the ruling. Belgium, similarly, reaffirmed its commitment to international law, with Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib highlighting the illegality of Israel’s occupation and settlement activities.

Several countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Egypt, echoed calls for a two-state solution and urged immediate steps to end the occupation. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the necessity for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully within pre-1967 borders, including East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital. Bolivia, which severed ties with Israel early in the conflict, demanded that the United Nations take measures to halt Israeli crimes and support Palestinian self-determination. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called for a halt to settlement activities and international compliance with the ICJ’s advisory opinion.

European nations such as Iceland, Norway, and Spain also responded firmly. Iceland condemned Israel’s continued occupation and settlement activities as violations of international law, while Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described the ruling as a clear indictment of Israel’s annexation policies. Spain urged the international community to heed the ICJ’s conclusions and adopt appropriate measures to address the illegal occupation.

In contrast, the United States criticized the ICJ ruling, expressing concerns that it might complicate peace efforts. Despite acknowledging the inconsistency of Israeli settlements with international law, the Biden administration argued that the ruling could hinder progress towards a two-state solution. Indonesia and Ireland, however, supported the ICJ’s decision, calling for UN action to end Israel’s unlawful presence and emphasizing the need for justice for Palestinians.

Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, welcomed the ICJ ruling. Qatar reaffirmed its support for Palestinian rights, while Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi demanded an end to Israel’s impunity and accountability for its actions. The UAE and Saudi Arabia called for practical steps towards a just resolution of the Palestinian issue, with the UAE rejecting any measures altering the legal status of occupied territories. Turkey urged the international community to take a decisive stand against Israel’s illegal practices.

The ICJ ruling has sparked widespread calls for action, reflecting global support for Palestinian self-determination and a just resolution to the conflict. As nations weigh their responses, the ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for justice in the occupied Palestinian territories.