ICJ to review Israel's legal duties in Palestinian territories

Thursday 10 April 2025 - 09:35

By: Zahouani Ilham

ICJ to review Israel's legal duties in Palestinian territories

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has scheduled public hearings from April 28 to May 2, 2025, to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's legal responsibilities regarding UN operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. The hearings are the result of a UN General Assembly resolution passed on December 19, 2024, which called for the ICJ to clarify Israel’s obligations in providing humanitarian aid and services to Palestinians under occupation.

The resolution, supported by 137 member states, mandates the ICJ to examine Israel’s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance in the occupied areas. A total of 44 states, including key nations like Palestine, the United States, and the United Kingdom, will present their views at the hearings. Additionally, four major international organizations—the UN, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union—will also participate.

The UN General Assembly’s request follows Israel's October 2024 legislation that banned the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. This law has led to increased restrictions on UNRWA’s activities, including the closure of six educational institutions in annexed East Jerusalem.

In a related development, the ICJ had previously ruled in July 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including Gaza, is legally invalid. The court is also considering a case brought by South Africa, alleging genocide against the Palestinian people, with provisional rulings indicating a serious risk of Israel violating the Genocide Convention.