ICJ set to hold public hearings on Israel’s obligations in occupied Palestinian Territory
The Logo of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is seen next to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority Riyad al-Maliki (R) and members of his delegation as they listen at the start of a hearing at the ICJ on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, in The Hague, Netherlands on February 19, 2024 (AFP Photo)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced Wednesday that it has received 45 written submissions from states and international organizations as part of its advisory proceedings regarding Israel’s obligations towards the U.N., other international organizations, and third parties in the occupied Palestinian Territory.
The ICJ said in a statement that public hearings on the matter will begin on April 28, 2025, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, where the Court is based.
The proceedings were initiated following a request for an advisory opinion, prompting responses from a wide range of countries and entities. The submissions were made within the time frame established by the ICJ president’s order on December 23, 2024. The African Union was granted an exceptional extension to submit its statement after the initial deadline.
The submissions came from countries across various regions, including Chile, Malaysia, Russia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Qatar, Spain, South Africa, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, China, the Netherlands, Brazil, Egypt, Israel, France, the US, and Palestine. Key international organizations such as the U.N., the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League also provided their perspectives.
In line with Article 106 of the ICJ’s rules, the written statements may be made public once oral proceedings commence.
Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the ICJ related to its military actions in Gaza, which since October 2023, have resulted in the deaths of approximately 50,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip.
