UN Court Set to Review Israel’s Humanitarian Responsibilities in Gaza Crisis

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UN Court Set to Review Israel’s Humanitarian Responsibilities in Gaza Crisis

 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague will commence a week of hearings on Monday to address Israel’s humanitarian responsibilities toward Palestinians, following more than 50 days of a complete blockade on aid entering Gaza. Proceedings will begin at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) with a presentation from United Nations representatives, followed by a submission from Palestinian authorities.

 

In addition to the initial submissions, another 38 countries, including major global powers such as the United States, China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, will present their arguments before the panel of 15 judges. International organizations like the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union are also scheduled to participate in the hearings.

 

 

The move comes after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in December urging the ICJ to deliver an advisory opinion "on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency." The resolution, led by Norway, was adopted by a substantial majority, reflecting widespread concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

 

The UN has specifically asked the court to clarify Israel’s obligations under international law toward the UN and its agencies, other international organizations, and third-party states. The aim is to determine Israel’s duty to "ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population."

 

Israel maintains strict control over all incoming international aid intended for the 2.4 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Aid deliveries were entirely halted on March 2, just days before the breakdown of a ceasefire that had brought relative calm after 15 months of relentless conflict.

 

Since the end of the two-month ceasefire in mid-March, the UN estimates that approximately 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced. On March 18, Israel resumed its aerial bombardments, followed closely by intensified ground operations. According to the UN, the escalation has resulted in what it describes as "likely the worst" humanitarian crisis to afflict the occupied Palestinian territory since the war began, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack.

 

The devastating Hamas assault led to the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, primarily civilians, based on an AFP tally derived from official Israeli statistics. Israel’s military response has since caused the deaths of at least 52,243 people in Gaza, also predominantly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave. In addition, at least 2,111 Palestinians have died since hostilities resumed on March 18. 

 

Israel asserts that its military campaign is focused on pressuring Hamas to release the remaining captives. While the ICJ’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, the court emphasizes that they "carry great legal weight and moral authority."

 

As the hearings unfold, they reflect a growing global concern and "broad frustration" over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need for clear legal guidance on Israel’s obligations under international law.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from AFP  2025-04-28

 

 

[Jeff the Chef]

This can be watched live on several News sites on YouTube

[Jeff the Chef]

Having just watched the first 4 hours or so of the coverage of this review, I can only say as a human being, I am disgusted that we, as a race, are able to do this to one another, no matter what side of this conflict you support.

 

http://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k15/k15vtfs00s