ISLAMABAD: Pakistan co-sponsored a draft resolution presented at the United Nations on Tuesday, seeking the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

The ICJ declared Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem a violation of international law in July, issuing its non-binding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian lands.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 War. The Palestinians seek all three areas for an independent state.

“Pakistan has co-sponsored the draft resolution … which seeks to implement the conclusions of the ICJ,” said Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, during the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly.

“The ICJ’s advisory opinion marks a milestone of justice, an expression of equity, and a flame of hope,” he added.

Akram highlighted the resolution demanded Israel’s “immediate, complete, and unconditional” withdrawal from Palestinian territories, reparations for the damage caused, an immediate end to its unlawful policies, compliance with ICJ orders and the assurance of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

The Pakistani diplomat said the draft resolution also recommended holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law and bearing legal consequences for all its “wrongful” actions by establishing an “international register of damage” to assist in reparations.

Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”

The ICJ ruling came against the backdrop of Israel’s devastating 11-month military assault on Gaza, which began last October. The world court also found Israel’s use of natural resources in the occupied territories “inconsistent” with its obligations under international law as an occupying power.