The United States and Russia will present their arguments today, Wednesday, before the International Court of Justice, the highest court affiliated with the United Nations, regarding the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The UN General Assembly requested in 2022 that the court, also known as the World Court, issue an advisory opinion concerning the legal consequences of the occupation. Israel, which did not participate in the hearings, stated in written comments that the court's intervention could hinder reaching a negotiated settlement. Washington opposed the court issuing an opinion in 2022 and is expected to argue today that the court cannot judge the legality of the occupation.
More than 50 countries are set to present their arguments until February 26. Egypt and France are also scheduled to speak today. Representatives of the Palestinian side requested on Monday that the judges declare the Israeli occupation of their territories illegal, stating that the opinion could assist in achieving a two-state solution. Yesterday, ten countries, including South Africa, united in criticizing Israel's behavior in the occupied territories, with many urging the court to declare the occupation illegal.
The panel of the International Court of Justice, consisting of 15 judges, has been asked to review the status of "occupation, settlement, and annexation (by Israel), including measures aimed at changing the demographic composition and nature of the holy city of Jerusalem, as well as relevant discriminatory legislation and measures." It is expected that the judges will take nearly six months to issue their opinion concerning the request, which also asks them to consider the legal status of the occupation and its consequences on states.
Israel ignored the International Court's opinion in 2004 when it concluded that the separation barrier being constructed by Israel in the West Bank violates international law and must be removed. Instead, Israel extended it. Current hearings may increase political pressures related to the Israeli war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 29,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza, since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.
