Amsterdam (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – During a week of hearings starting Monday in The Hague, Israel will confront allegations of violating international law due to its refusal to allow aid into the Gaza Strip, as numerous nations present their arguments at the International Court of Justice.
As of March 2, Israel has entirely halted all supplies to the 2.3 million people living in the Gaza Strip, and the food that was stockpiled during a ceasefire earlier this year has nearly been exhausted.
In December, the U.N.’s highest court was asked to provide an advisory opinion regarding Israel’s responsibilities to support the delivery of aid to Palestinians from states and international organisations, including the United Nations.
Is Israel justified in blocking aid until hostages are released?
Israel has stated it will not permit goods and supplies to enter Gaza until Hamas releases all remaining hostages.
Last week, Germany, France, and Britain urged Israel to respect international law by facilitating the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, following Israel’s statement that no aid would be permitted to enter as a means of pressuring Hamas. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to permit food and medicine to enter the besieged Palestinian territory.
Israel has consistently charged Hamas with misappropriating humanitarian aid permitted into Gaza. Hamas has rejected these accusations, placing the blame on Israel for the shortages.
What impact will the World Court’s decision have on Israel?
In December, the U.N. General Assembly saw 137 out of 193 nations adopt a resolution urging Israel to fulfil its responsibilities towards the Palestinian population while also conveying “grave concern” regarding the critical humanitarian conditions. Israel, the United States, and 10 additional countries opposed the resolution, whereas 22 countries chose to abstain.
On Monday, representatives from the Palestinian territories will be among the first to speak before the court in The Hague.
Israel is one of approximately 40 countries not participating in the five days of hearings set to conclude on Friday. The United States plans to share its perspective on Wednesday. While the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions hold legal and political significance, they are not binding, and the court lacks enforcement authority.
The U.N. considers Gaza and the West Bank as territories occupied by Israel. According to international humanitarian law, an occupying force must enable relief efforts for those in need, ensuring provisions of food, medical assistance, hygiene, and public health standards. Following the hearings, the World Court is expected to take several months to reach a decision.
