Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: Gaza's hospitals recorded six deaths due to starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, all of them adults

UN Court to assess repercussions of Israeli occupation

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 18 Feb 2024 08:25
  • 1 Shares
4 Min Read

An unprecedented 52 nations, including major players like the United States, Russia, and China, are anticipated to present evidence during this week-long session at the Peace Palace in The Hague, home to the ICJ.

  • x
  • UN Court to assess repercussions of Israeli occupation
    A Palestinian carries a child killed in an Israeli strike in Deir el-Balah, the Gaza Strip, Monday, October 23, 2023. (AP)

The highest court of the United Nations is set to commence hearings, on Monday, regarding the legal implications of "Israel's" occupation of the Palestinian territories since 1967. This historic event is anticipated to involve testimony from an unprecedented 52 nations.

Countries such as the United States, Russia, and China are scheduled to present their statements to the judges during a week-long gathering at the Peace Palace in The Hague, which serves as the home of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In December 2022, the UN General Assembly requested a non-binding "advisory opinion" from the ICJ regarding the "legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem."

Although any opinion issued by the ICJ would not carry legal force, it comes at a time when "Israel" faces increasing international legal scrutiny in the aftermath of its genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.

The hearings are distinct from a prominent case initiated by South Africa, directing "Israel" to cease all actions and rhetoric amounting to violations of the Genocide Convention,

In January, the ICJ issued a ruling in that case, stating that "Israel" must take all necessary measures to prevent genocide and permit humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, the court did not mandate a ceasefire.

On Friday, the ICJ dismissed South Africa's attempt to impose additional measures on "Israel", but reiterated the importance of implementing the ruling in its entirety.

What are the two inquiries?

The General Assembly has tasked the ICJ with addressing two inquiries.

Firstly, the court is to assess the legal ramifications of "the continuous infringement by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination."

Related News

Opposition slams Netanyahu over blocked October 7 commission

Capturing Kfar Aza took Resistance an hour; Israeli forces days: Probe

This pertains to the "persistent occupation, settlement, and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967," and "actions aimed at changing the demographic composition, character, and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem."

The ICJ has also been tasked with examining the outcomes of what it characterized as "Israel's" "implementation of discriminatory legislation and measures related to it."

Secondly, the ICJ is expected to provide guidance on how Israeli actions impact the legal status of the occupation and what implications arise for the UN and other nations.

The court will deliver its judgment on the matter "expeditiously," likely, by the conclusion of the year.

While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) typically delivers binding judgments in state disputes, its rulings lack robust enforcement mechanisms. Notably, in the current case regarding Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the ICJ's advisory opinion will be non-binding.

As per the court's own statement: "The requesting organ, agency or organization remains free to give effect to the opinion by any means open to it, or not to do so." 

However, advisory opinions from the ICJ are generally heeded.

Previous advisory opinions

The ICJ has rendered advisory opinions on various issues, such as the legality of Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia and apartheid South Africa's occupation of Namibia. In 2004, the court declared parts of the separation wall constructed by "Israel" in the occupied Palestinian territory as illegal and recommended their removal.

Unsurprisingly, "Israel" has opted not to take part in the hearings, and expressed strong dissatisfaction with the UN request in 2022. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled it as "despicable" and "disgraceful."

In response to the UN resolution the following week, "Israel" implemented a set of sanctions against the Palestinian Authority, intending to make it "pay the price" for its advocacy.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) emphasized that although advisory opinions lack binding force, they can hold significant moral and legal influence and may eventually become part of international law.

Clive Baldwin, Senior Legal Adviser at HRW, asserted that the hearings should shed light on the serious abuses perpetrated by Israeli authorities against Palestinians, including crimes against humanity such as apartheid and persecution.

Read next: 'Israel' not abiding by ICJ orders of avoiding genocide: UN official

  • Operation Al-Aqsa Flood
  • Palestine
  • UN court
  • IOF
  • South Africa
  • Gaza genocide
  • Israeli occupation
  • Gaza
  • ICJ
War on Gaza

War on Gaza

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS