The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations' highest judicial body, has commenced hearings on Israel’s obligations to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The proceedings, initiated at the request of the UN General Assembly, aim to assess Israel’s legal responsibilities in ensuring the delivery of essential supplies to the region.
The hearings come as Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with food, fuel, and medical supplies blocked from entering the territory since March 2. The World Food Programme recently reported that its food stocks in Gaza have been depleted, leaving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians struggling to access basic necessities.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has strongly criticized the hearings, calling them a “shameful” attempt to delegitimize Israel. Speaking from Jerusalem, Saar accused the court of becoming “completely politicized” and dismissed the proceedings as part of a broader campaign against his country.
The hearings will feature statements from 40 nations and four international organizations, with the United Nations and Palestinian representatives addressing the court first. Israel is not scheduled to speak but may submit a written statement. The United States, which opposed the UN resolution, is set to present its position on Wednesday.