02/18/2024 11:20 pm (current 02/18/2024 11:30 pm)
Israel's offensive in Gaza is the focus of the ICJ (file image) ©APA/ANP
A first hearing on Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories begins this Monday (10 am) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in The Hague. The UN General Assembly had already asked the UN's highest court for a legal opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's actions against the Palestinians in the occupied territories at the end of 2022, that is, before the Gaza conflict following the Hamas attack in October 7th.
52 states and three international organizations participate in the hearing. The Palestinians start on Monday.
The International Court of Justice last addressed the current conflict in Gaza in January. The ICJ ordered Israel to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip and do everything in its power to protect the lives of Palestinians. Israel must therefore also allow more humanitarian aid. This was a preliminary ruling in the case South Africa brought against Israel before the United Nations' highest court. South Africa accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention. Israel firmly rejects the accusations.
On Sunday, Egypt also said it had submitted a memorandum to the ICJ in The Hague, according to which Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, construction of settlements, expulsion of Palestinians and other Israeli political practices violate the principles of international humanitarian law.