The Church of England’s spiritual head has urged governments to respect the findings of the United Nations top court that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, saying the law should not be upheld in a “selective manner”, Reuters reports.

Justin Welby — who also heads the worldwide Anglican Communion — said in a statement the ICJ opinion had made it clear the occupation is “unlawful” and must end.

“At a time when the world is marked by increasing violations of international law … it is imperative governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions by the ICJ, irrespective of the situation,” Welby said.

He did not spell out how governments should react but said he prayed that UN member states would make their actions consistent with the ruling.

Welby said it was clear to him from many visits in recent decades the “system of military rule” imposed by successive Israeli governments in occupied Palestinian territories was one of “systemic discrimination”.