UN court hearings on Israel occupation

The Hague – The UN’s top court will from today hold hearings on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, with 52 countries expected to give evidence.

Nations including the United States, Russia, and China will address judges in a week-long session at the Peace Palace in The Hague, seat of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In December 2022, the UN General Assembly asked the ICJ for a non-binding “advisory opinion” on the “legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”.

The hearings are separate from a high-profile case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocidal acts in the current Gaza offensive.

The ICJ ruled in that case in January that Israel must do everything in its power to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire. On Friday, it rejected SA’s bid to impose additional measures on Israel, but reiterated the need to carry out the ruling in full.

The General Assembly has asked the ICJ to consider two questions. Firstly, to examine the legal consequences of “the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination”.

This relates to the “prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967”. Secondly, the ICJ should advise on how Israel’s actions “affect the legal status of the occupation” and what are the consequences for the UN and other countries. –