The International Court of Justice has ruled Israel’s 56-year occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is illegal. In a major decision announced on Friday, the court ruled that Israel “is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible.” The court also said other nations are obligated “not to render aid or assistance” to Israel’s settlements in the Occupied Territories. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki praised the ruling.

Riyad al-Maliki: “All states and the U.N. are now under obligation not to recognize the legality of Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to do nothing to assist Israel in maintaining this illegal situation. They are directed by the court to bring Israel’s illegal occupation to an end.”