The International Court of Justice has found Israel’s separation barrier and its associated regime – justified by Israel as a counter-terrorism measure – to be in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The advisory opinion confirmed that Israel must abide by international human rights treaties in any territory it effectively controls, even outside its borders. Even though facing suicide attacks, Israel could not rely on a right of self-defence or on a state of necessity as a legal justification for the construction of the wall, said the Court. The Court said Israel should cease constructing the barrier, dismantle the barrier situated in the Occupied Territories, repeal all relevant regulations, restitute property and make reparation available to those affected.
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