Two years ago, on 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice confirmed that Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and clarified the obligations of all States not to recognize or assist that unlawful situation, and to cooperate in bringing it to a rapid end.
Since then, the law has become clearer. Implementation has not.
This article reflects on what has changed over the past two years, with particular attention to developments in the West Bank and Gaza, and the continuing uncertainty surrounding the duty of international cooperation. It argues that the principal challenge today is no longer identifying the applicable law, but giving practical content to one of the Court's most significant findings: the obligation of States to cooperate in bringing an unlawful situation to an end.
