The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found Israel to be in breach of international law, due to their settlement policies and exploitation of Palestinian natural resources.

In a statement, the ICJ said "the fact that an occupation is prolonged does not in itself change its legal status under international humanitarian law," referring to Israel's military presence in the Palestinian territories.

The court found that Israel’s presence in the territories amounted to an annexation, and that their withdrawal from the Gaza strip in 2005 did not bring the area’s occupation to an end.

The findings are not legally binding, as it is the court’s opinion. However, they do have political importance. Comprised of a 15-judge panel, the court has been examining the issue at the request of the UN General Assembly.

ICJ President Nawaf Salam read the courts findings, saying “The State of Israel is under the obligation to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible.”

“Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law.”

The court also found that Israel systematically discriminates against Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Israel is also involved in a case brought before the ICJ by South Africa, which alleges the state is in violation of the Genocide Convention.

This decision is the first that the ICJ has made in relation to the 57 year long occupation, the longest in modern history.