The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun a five-day hearing to examine Israel’s humanitarian responsibilities toward Palestinians, against a backdrop of a deepening crisis in Gaza and mounting international concern.
The proceedings, which opened Monday in The Hague, are rooted in a United Nations General Assembly resolution introduced last year by Norway and several other countries. The resolution requested the ICJ’s opinion on whether Israel has breached its obligations under the UN Charter by overriding the immunities afforded to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Central to the case is Israel’s decision, through two laws, passed in the Knesset in October 2024, to sever ties with UNRWA, accusing the agency of harbouring Hamas operatives. The legislation instructed the government to halt all cooperation with UNRWA, including visa support for its international staff — severely disrupting the flow of aid to Gaza.
The hearing comes as warnings of famine intensify in the besieged territory. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, more than 61,700 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, now entering its 18th month, with thousands still missing under the rubble. Medical officials in Gaza reported that Israeli forces killed 23 Palestinians in predawn assaults on Sunday, following a day in which at least 53 were killed across the Strip.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation has further deteriorated amid escalating regional violence. Houthi-affiliated media reported that U.S. forces bombed a detention centre holding African migrants in northern Saada, Yemen, killing at least 68 people and injuring 47 others.
The ICJ hearings are expected to feature submissions from a range of countries. Statements from nations critical of Israel’s conduct are expected in the early days, while Israel’s supporters, including the United States and Hungary, are scheduled to address the court later in the week.
An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict. Over 200 individuals were taken captive during those attacks.
Following this week’s hearings, the ICJ is expected to deliberate for several weeks before delivering its advisory opinion — a ruling that, while non-binding, could carry significant political and diplomatic weight.
Source: Alajazeera.com
