THE HAGUE: The United Nations top court next week will give its view on the legal outcomes of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, a case in which some 52 nations made submissions.
Any opinion given by the International Court of Justice would be non-binding, but it will come amidst mounting global legal pressure on Israel over the war in Gaza.
“A public sitting will take place at the Peace Palace in The Hague (on July 19)… during which Judge Nawaf Salam… will read out the Advisory Opinion,” the ICJ on Friday said.
The UN court in February held a week-long session to hear submissions from countries after a request from the United Nations late last year.
The UN has asked the ICJ to give an “advisory opinion” on the legal consequences arising from the practices and policies of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Most speakers during the hearings have demanded that Israel must end its occupation. However, the United States said Israel must not be obliged to withdraw without taking care of its security needs.
Speakers also stated that a prolonged Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory posed an extreme threat to the stability of the Middle East and beyond. Israel did not attend the hearings.
The case before the court is separate from one filed by South Africa against Israel for alleged genocide during its current war in Gaza.
South Africa has moved the ICJ several times arguing that the extreme humanitarian situation means the court should issue more emergency measures.
In an initial ruling on January 26, the ICJ ordered Israel to take every measure to stop acts of genocide during its military offensive in Gaza.
