US criticises ICJ ruling on Israel's 'apartheid' control of occupied West Bank

The United States alleged that the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) makes it difficult to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

"We have been clear that Israel's program of government support for settlements is both inconsistent with international law and obstructs the cause of peace," a US State Department spokesperson said on Saturday in an email, Haaretz reported. 

"However, we are concerned that the breadth of the court's opinion will complicate efforts to resolve the conflict and bring about an urgently needed just and lasting peace, with two states living side-by-side in peace and security," the State Department added. 

Legal experts are describing the opinion by the ICJ issued on Friday as a striking and historic initiative that requires taking several legal steps, including allowing for the return of Palestinians who were displaced by Israel when it began its occupation of the Palestinian territories in 1967.

The advisory opinion delivered by the World Court said that Israel must make reparations to Palestinians for damages caused by its occupation, and that the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and all countries have an obligation to not recognise Israel's occupation as legal.

It also said that Israel is systematically discriminating against Palestinians in the occupied territory, and Israel has effectively annexed large portions of that territory through its occupation.