The UN's top court is currently the centre of attention as it is set to begin hearings on Monday, requested by 40 countries, regarding what Israel should do to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Last year, the UN General Assembly asked the International Court to consider Israel's legal obligations, as the country had effectively restricted the United Nations agency providing aid to Palestinian refugees from functioning. Israel's closest ally, the United States, voted against the proposal. More than a month ago, Israel halted all aid to Gaza and its more than two million residents. Israel claims it has the right to stop the aid, arguing that Hamas seizes it for its own use.
The International Court, based in The Hague, has been asked to provide an advisory opinion on the latest judicial proceedings related to the 18-month-long war in Gaza, which, although not binding, is a legally decisive response. It is expected to take several months. The ICJ has previously issued provisional measures, requiring Israel to allow unhindered passage of humanitarian aid and to protect the population from acts that could result in their physical destruction, either in whole or in part. However, Israel’s continued blockade and military operations have led to renewed petitions, with calls for the Court to urgently enforce or update these measures.
Established after World War II, the International Court of Justice is an arm of the United Nations, or more specifically, a principal judicial organ of the UN. It settles disputes between countries. Bodies of the UN, including the General Assembly, can seek advisory opinions from its 15 judges. All 193 UN member countries are members of the ICJ, although not all of them recognize its jurisdiction.