International Court of Justice Holds Hearings on Israel's Obligations Regarding Gaza's Humanitarian Predicament

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) kicked off hearings this week to examine Israel's role in the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, as the Jewish state clashes with Hamas.

These proceedings, set to run till the end of the week in The Hague, were initiated following a UN General Assembly request last year, compelling the court to review Israel's duties to guarantee vital supplies to Gaza.

Aid as a Weapon

Top Palestinian official Ammar Hijazi addressed the judges, stating that Israel employs aid as a "weapon of war" by blocking it. Since March 2, no food or medical supplies have reached the 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip due to Israel's prolonged blockade.

The ICJ has been instructed by the UN to promptly deliver an advisory opinion on this matter, with utmost urgency. Although no immediate ruling is anticipated, the court's advisory opinion is likely to steer future international legal strategies.

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Although non-binding, the ICJ's ruling is expected to fall on deaf ears in Israel, much like past ICJ, International Criminal Court, and other international legal bodies' judgements.

According to Al Jazeera's Rory Challands in The Hague, the pressure on Israel is intensifying as more international courts rule against its actions. "Israel has an obligation as an occupying power in the Palestinian territories, including ensuring children's education, welfare systems, medical facilities, and humanitarian aid operations. If it fails to do so, it contravenes its obligations under international law," Challands explained.

"Israel, as a signatory to the UN Charter, also has an obligation to uphold UN immunities and exemptions," he added.

Systematic Persecution

The ICJ will analyze both state actors' and international organizations' positions during its deliberations. However, Israeli representatives will not be present. Instead, Tel Aviv will submit written arguments.

In response to the hearings, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterized them as "part of a systematic persecution and delegitimization of Israel" during remarks to reporters in Jerusalem. He maintained that "it is not Israel that should be on trial. It is the UN and UNRWA."

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is examining Israel's role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following a UN General Assembly request.
Over the course of five days, 38 nations, including the United States, China, France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and African Union, will share their concerns about Israel's compliance with international law.
Top Palestinian official Ammar Hijazi stated before the judges that Israel employs aid as a "weapon of war" by blocking it, leaving 2.3 million residents of Gaza without food or medical supplies for over two months due to Israel's prolonged blockade.
The ICJ has been instructed to deliver an advisory opinion on this matter urgently, and while no immediate ruling is anticipated, the court's opinion may guide future international legal strategies.
Al Jazeera's Rory Challands in The Hague noted that Israel, as an occupying power in the Palestinian territories, has obligations to ensure education, welfare systems, medical facilities, and humanitarian aid operations, and any failure to do so contravenes international law.
Israel, as a signatory to the UN Charter, also has an obligation to uphold UN immunities and exemptions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterized the ICJ hearings as part of a systematic persecution and delegitimization of Israel, and maintained that it is not Israel that should be on trial, but rather the UN and UNRWA.