The International Court of Justice is set to hear arguments from over 50 countries this week regarding the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. This is the first time the court has been asked to provide an advisory opinion on this issue, which has been the subject of numerous debates and resolutions at the United Nations.
The hearings will focus on Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and have gained urgency following the recent Israeli-Palestinian war in Gaza. The sessions began at the Peace Palace in The Hague, with Israel submitting a written rejection of the proceedings.
The International Court of Justice, established in 1945, is based in The Hague and rules on international law and disputes among nations. While its rulings are binding, the court has no power to enforce them. The court’s judges can also provide advisory opinions, which carry legal weight but are not binding.
The six days of hearings will center on the legality of Israel’s occupation, settlement, and annexation of Palestinian territories. Representatives from 52 countries are scheduled to participate, including both supporters and critics of Israel. The sessions have garnered attention due to the recent bloodshed in Gaza and a genocide case brought against Israel at the court.
Legally, the current hearings are unrelated to the genocide accusations brought against Israel in a separate case last month.
