The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver its opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967. This highly anticipated decision comes after 52 countries made submissions to the court, seeking clarity on the complex legal issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ICJ, often referred to as the UN’s top court, will hold a public sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague on July 19. Judge Nawaf Salam will read out the Advisory Opinion, which, while non-binding, carries significant weight in the realm of international law. The request for an advisory opinion was made by the United Nations late last year, reflecting the growing international legal pressure on Israel in light of the recent conflict in Gaza.
During a week-long session in February, the ICJ heard submissions from various countries, with most speakers calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The occupation, which began after the six-day Arab-Israeli war in 1967, has been a contentious issue in the region for decades. While some countries emphasized the need for Israel to consider its security concerns, others warned of the destabilizing effects of a prolonged occupation on the Middle East and beyond.
Notably, Israel did not participate in the oral hearings but submitted a written contribution to the court. In its submission, Israel criticized the questions posed by the court as “prejudicial” and “tendentious,” highlighting the contentious nature of the legal proceedings. The case before the ICJ is distinct from another brought by South Africa against Israel for alleged genocide during the recent offensive in Gaza. South Africa has repeatedly urged the court to take urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prevent further acts of violence.
In a previous ruling on January 26, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide during its military operation in Gaza. The court also called for the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for initiating the conflict in October 7. These rulings underscore the ICJ’s commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights in conflict zones.
As the world awaits the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, the decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region’s future. While the opinion may not be legally binding, it will serve as a critical reference point for future diplomatic efforts and legal actions aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community will be closely watching the ICJ’s decision, hoping for a just and equitable resolution to one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history.