The United States has criticized the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion that deems Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.

According to a U.S. State Department spokesperson, the ruling complicates efforts to resolve the conflict.

The ICJ, in its strongest findings to date, stated on Friday that Israel must withdraw from these territories and pay restitution.

The State Department emphasized that the way forward is through direct negotiations and warned against using the ICJ opinion to justify further unilateral actions.

This advisory opinion by the ICJ is non-binding but carries significant weight under international law.

The court's decision arises from a 2022 request by the United Nations General Assembly but predates the recent Gaza conflict, which followed the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.