Israel's settlement policy in occupied Palestinian territories is in breach of international law, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled, Paralel.Az reports citing Sky News.

The "transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israel's maintenance of their presence" is "contrary to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention", a panel of 15 judges from around the world said.

The court said Israel must end the construction of settlements immediately - acts which render "Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful".

Israel's continued presence is "illegal" and should be ended as "rapidly as possible", the ICJ added.