Key points
- UN representatives will start five days of sittings at ICJ in The Hague today
- 38 nations will address 15-judge panel
- Israel has halted aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2
ISLAMABAD: The UN’s top court will on Monday open a week of hearings on Israel’s humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians, over 50 days into its total blockade on aid entering war-ravaged Gaza.
AFP reported that United Nations representatives will start the five days of sittings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague at 0800 GMT, followed by a Palestinian submission.
Another 38 nations will then address the 15-judge panel, including the United States, China, France, and Russia.
The League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union will also make submissions.
According to AP, on Tuesday, South Africa, a staunch critic of Israel, will present its arguments. In hearings last year in a separate case at the court, the country accused Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. Those proceedings are still underway.
Advisory opinion
The UN’s General Assembly approved a resolution in December asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the matter “on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency”.
The resolution, spearheaded by Norway, was adopted by a large majority.
AFP reported that the UN has asked judges to clarify Israel’s legal obligations towards the UN and its agencies, international organisations or third-party states to “ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population”.
Israel strictly controls all inflows of international aid vital for the 2.4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2, days before the collapse of a ceasefire that had significantly reduced hostilities after 15 months of war.
UNRWA
AFP reported that the UN estimates 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the two-month ceasefire ended in mid-March. Israel resumed air bombardment on March 18, followed by renewed ground attacks.
Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 52,243 people in Gaza since October 2023, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza health ministry. At least 2,111 Palestinians have been killed since March 18.
The UN considers the ministry’s figures reliable. Norway’s initiative was triggered by an Israeli law banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from operating in the area.
