The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the bloc had taken "good note" of the court's ruling and urged further backing for the court's opinion. AFP
The sweeping opinion on Friday by The Hague-based International Court of Justice called for Israel to end its illegal occupation of the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs said that the bloc had taken "good note" of the court's ruling and urged further backing for the court's opinion.
"In a world of constant and increasing violations of international law, it is our moral duty to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all ICJ decisions in a consistent manner, irrespective of the subject in question," Josep Borrell said.
He added in a statement that the opinion "will need to be analysed more thoroughly, including in view of its implications for EU policy".
The ICJ's ruling is not binding, but it comes amid mounting concern over the mounting civilian death toll and destruction in Israel's war on Gaza, as well as increased violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Its intervention is likely to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza, as will the EU's backing.
Israel has occupied the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, all Palestinian territories, since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
It has since illegally expanded Israeli settlements in the 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles) of Palestinian territory, contravening international law and conventions.
The UN body and the overwhelming majority of UN member states -- 149 out of 193 -- already recognize the right to Palestinian statehood in these same lands.
* This story was edited by Ahram Online
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