The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion on Friday, declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and calling for its immediate end. This decision has prompted varied and strong responses from both Israeli and Palestinian sides, as well as international reactions.

The Palestinian presidency hailed the ICJ's decision as a "triumph for justice," urging the global community to press Israel to end its occupation unconditionally. The presidency's statement emphasized that the opinion reaffirms Palestinian self-determination and statehood rights.

Meanwhile, Hamas, the militant group operating in the Gaza Strip, called for immediate international action to enforce the ICJ's opinion. They welcomed the opinion, stating that it places "the international system before the imperative of immediate action to end the occupation."

Conversely, Israel rejected the ICJ's opinion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "The legality of Israeli settlements in all the territories of our homeland cannot be contested" and "The Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land." He emphasized Israel's historical and biblical connection to the land, specifically referring to annexed East Jerusalem as part of the country's "eternal capital."

Foreign Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu's criticism, calling the ICJ opinion "one-sided and wrong." The Israeli foreign ministry further stressed that the advisory opinion is non-binding and that Israel is not compelled to adopt it, reaffirming the country's commitment to international law.

The ICJ issued the advisory opinion following a request from the UN General Assembly, which adopted a resolution in December 2022 seeking the court's opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

The court's president, Nawaf Salam, said that "Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law." The court's opinion includes recommendations for Israel to pay restitution for harm caused and evacuate all settlers from existing settlements.

At the same time, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that a long-sought ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was within reach. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Friday, Blinken said negotiators were "driving toward the goal line" in arranging a ceasefire to free hostages held since October 7 and facilitate more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He noted that both Hamas and Israel had agreed to the ceasefire framework outlined by President Joe Biden in May, but some issues still needed resolution. "I believe we're inside the 10-yard line and driving toward the goal line in getting an agreement that would produce a ceasefire, get the hostages home, and put us on a better track to trying to build lasting peace and stability," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington next week to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress and meet with President Biden, depending on Biden's recovery from COVID-19. Blinken emphasized the importance of having a clear plan for post-ceasefire stability, which will likely be a central topic during Netanyahu's visit.

Amid concerns about the potential collapse of the Palestinian Authority (PA), the European Commission announced on Friday that it would provide 400 million euros ($435.5 million) in emergency financial support over the next two months. This aid aims to stabilize the PA's finances, which have been in disarray for years due to reduced donor funding and the financial impact of recent conflicts.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "Together, we are laying the groundwork for economic and political stability in the West Bank." The Palestinian government welcomed the funding, describing it as "an important step to alleviate the stifling financial and economic crisis."

The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with at least 13 Palestinians killed and dozens wounded in an Israeli bombing on two houses in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza on Friday. The bombing destroyed the homes and caused significant damage to surrounding buildings. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident yet.

Early Friday, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for a drone attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in one fatality and injured at least ten others. The long-range drone exploded over Ben Yehuda Street, near the U.S. embassy and Tel Aviv's shoreline. No air raid sirens were activated, prompting an investigation into the failure of Israel's air defense systems.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sare'e declared Tel Aviv an "unsafe area" and threatened further attacks. The group also claimed responsibility for a separate drone and missile attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden, continuing their pattern of targeting Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

(With input from agencies)