International Court of Justice to Hear Landmark Case Against Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories
Background
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearings today on a landmark case against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, with at least 52 countries set to present arguments on controversial Israeli policies in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and occupied East Jerusalem.
Request from UN General Assembly
The case was triggered by a request from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last December, which sought the ICJ’s opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestine. The UNGA is expected to answer questions about how the rights of Palestinians are being affected by the occupation and attempts to displace them.
Oral Hearings
The oral hearings will last for a week, with all countries, as well as three international organizations, expected to state their support or opposition to Israel’s measures. Tel Aviv has declined to present orally, instead choosing to submit a written argument.
Allegations of Apartheid and Persecution
The ICJ is considering whether Israel’s policies in the occupied territories amount to apartheid and persecution, both crimes against humanity according to Human Rights Watch. The case is separate from another ICJ case brought by South Africa on December 29 that alleges Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Participating Countries
A total of 52 countries will present their arguments to ICJ judges, with legal teams representing the State of Palestine kicking off the hearings today. Other countries set to participate include:
- South Africa
- Canada
- United States
- China
- Russia
Expected Ruling
The court’s ruling is expected to be published later this year, but it is unclear what the opinion might be exactly or how it will be worded. The ICJ has ruled against Israel in the past, including over its construction of a wall in the West Bank in 2004.
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