The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has launched a five-day series of public hearings to examine Israel’s legal obligations toward Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate under the threat of widespread famine.

The hearings, which began on 28 April 2025 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, were convened following a request for an advisory opinion regarding Israel’s duties in relation to the activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in occupied Palestinian areas. Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the Court, is presiding over the sessions, which will run until 2 May.

Representatives from around 40 countries and four international organizations are scheduled to present oral arguments during the proceedings. Among those offering submissions are Türkiye, Malaysia, South Africa, China, Russia, Spain, Ireland, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Major international bodies, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League, are also contributing to the discussions.

Notably, while Israel has submitted a written statement, it has opted not to deliver an oral presentation during the hearings.

The sessions come at a time of intense international scrutiny of Israel’s crimes in Gaza, where a brutal military offensive launched in October 2023 has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians and devastated large parts of the territory. In parallel, Israel is also facing a separate genocide case before the ICJ, initiated by South Africa.

Adding to the legal challenges, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza assault.

The current ICJ proceedings are open to the public and mark another crucial chapter in the growing international legal efforts to address Israel’s conduct in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.