International Court of Justice set to commence proceedings regarding Israel's duty to provide assistance to Palestinians

International Court of Justice set to commence proceedings regarding Israel's duty to provide assistance to Palestinians

The Lowdown on the ICJ's Gaza Aid Quandary

Brace yourselves, folks, as the UN's top court prepares to delve into a thorny issue—Israel's humanitarian responsibilities vis-à-vis the Palestinians—50+ days into the total blockade on aid reaching war-torn Gaza.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague kicks off a five-day hearing marathon at 10am (0800 GMT) on Monday. The UN steps in first, followed by a Palestinian submission. More than three dozen countries, including heavyweights like the U.S., China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, will address the 15-judge panel. Even multinational groups like the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union will present their concerns.

The UN General Assembly greenlit a resolution in December, requesting the ICJ to expeditiously deliver an opinion on the matter. The resolution garnered significant support, courtesy of Norway. The UN seeks clarity on Israel's legal obligations to the UN, international organizations, and third-party states, to guarantee unimpeded access for necessary aid for the 2.4 million Palestinians residing in Gaza.

According to Israel, it regulates all humanitarian assistance vital to Gaza residents. The country halted aid shipments to Gaza on March 2, just before a ceasefire's collapse that significantly reduced hostilities post-15 months of war. Since then, the UN estimates that around 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced. Israel resumed air strikes on March 18, followed by renewed ground attacks, plunging Gaza into what the UN described as likely the region's worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict began with the 2022 Hamas attack.

'Frustration and Conflict'

The Hamas attack led to the demise of 1,218 Israelis, primarily civilians (as per AFP's tally), and at least 52,243 Palestinians in Gaza, since October 2022 (as per the Gaza Health Ministry). Over 2,111 Palestinians have been killed since March 18. The UN considers the ministry's figures credible.

The Israeli government claims that its offensive aims to force Hamas into releasing remaining captives. Some hostages' families even fear their loved ones might be used as human shields. However, it's essential to note that the ICJ's advisory opinions are not legally binding but carrying substantial legal weight and moral authority. In July 2022, the ICJ confirmed that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories was unlawful and should cease as soon as possible.

Harsh Huremagic, a PhD candidate at the Geneva Graduate Institute, observed that "the parties to the conflict have shown scant commitment to comply with international law." He added, "The request for an advisory opinion reflects broad frustration with the lack of meaningful dialogue to tackle the dire situation in Gaza." Norway's push for this hearings was triggered by an Israeli law banning UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) from operating on Israeli soil on allegations of some UNRWA staff participating in the Hamas attack. However, independent investigations have failed to find concrete evidence supporting Israel's primary claims.

1. The Palestinians, displaced by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, are seeking aid and unimpeded access to education and self-development for their personal growth.
2. The international agencies, including the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, are presenting their concerns about the crisis to the 15-judge panel at the ICJ in The Hague.
3. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution in December, urging the ICJ to provide a binding policy and legislation on Israel's obligations to ensure humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.
4. Despite Israel's claims of regulating aid, car accidents, fires, and crime and justice have increased in Gaza due to its halt on aid shipments and subsequent military actions.
5. The war and conflicts in Gaza have taken a toll on the Palestinians, with over 52,000 Palestinians and 1,218 Israelis tragically lost since October 2022.
6. Frustrations over the lack of compliance with international law by the parties to the conflict in Gaza have led to the ICJ hearings, offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
7. On a broader scale, the general news is closely watching the unfolding events, hoping for a resolution that promotes peace, humanitarian aid, and a better future for the Palestinians in Gaza.

Read also: