FYI the occupation is not illegal, post-war occupations happen all the time, they are absolutely legal and are not prohibited by international law.
International law recognizes that there are legal reasons to go to war. For example, states have the right to defend themselves against overt external aggression, in the form of an invasion or other attack.
There is not a general consensus that Israel had legal reasons to go to war in the first place, therefore the following occupation would not be legal. Bush's war with Iraq had no international or UN mandate, which is why many see the occupation of Iraq as also illegal.
The international perspective, excepting the U.S. in some cases, is that:
* The annexation of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem are illegal and not recognized by international law
* The West Bank and Gaza are "occupied," because:
o They were captured by force of arms and against the will of their populations
o The residents in these areas were stateless
o Israel has put the territories under military rather than civilian administration, creating a de facto state of occupation
* Non-Jewish residents who reject Israeli citizenship and/or hegemony have the right to self-determination
International law recognizes that there are legal reasons to go to war. For example, states have the right to defend themselves against overt external aggression, in the form of an invasion or other attack.
There is not a general consensus that Israel had legal reasons to go to war in the first place, therefore the following occupation would not be legal. Bush's war with Iraq had no international or UN mandate, which is why many see the occupation of Iraq as also illegal.
The international perspective, excepting the U.S. in some cases, is that:
* The annexation of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem are illegal and not recognized by international law
* The West Bank and Gaza are "occupied," because:
o They were captured by force of arms and against the will of their populations
o The residents in these areas were stateless
o Israel has put the territories under military rather than civilian administration, creating a de facto state of occupation
* Non-Jewish residents who reject Israeli citizenship and/or hegemony have the right to self-determination
Quote from dddooo:
FYI the occupation is not illegal, post-war occupations happen all the time, they are absolutely legal and are not prohibited by international law. Post-war occupations end when peace is negotiated between warring parties and a peace treaty is signe.
Read UNSCR 242 for more information. It's known as "land for peace" resolution, not land for nothing, not land for more Katyushas/Qassams resolution. Israel is required to withdraw from occupied territories when and only when a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel, arab states and the palestinians is signed, permanent borders are negotiated and security guarantees are provided. When these conditions are met the occupation will end, but not a moment earlier.
1. Affirms that the fulfillment of Charter principles requires the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East which should include the application of both the following principles:
(i) Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict;
(ii)Termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_242