The Hague: Public hearings for an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations towards the United Nations and its agencies in the occupied Palestinian territories are underway for the second day. These hearings, held by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), focus on Israel's humanitarian responsibilities towards the Palestinians, especially following the blockade on aid to Gaza.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the ICJ began the hearings more than 50 days after Israel imposed a comprehensive blockade on aid entry to the Gaza Strip. This week-long session includes pleadings from 38 states such as the United States, China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, along with organizations like the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union.
The hearings are scheduled from April 28 to May 2, 2025, as per the Court's agenda, with 44 states and four international organizations participating. The UN General Assembly's resolution, proposed by Norway last December, prompted this move, urging the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies for Palestinians.
Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres' representative, Counsellor Eleanor Hommesh¸ll, stated that Israel has breached its obligations concerning UN personnel's immunity. She highlighted the United Nations' stance against any state interference in international organizations' work.
The State of Palestine's ambassador to the Netherlands, Ammar Hijazi, outlined plans to present evidence of the adverse impacts of Israel's policies on Palestinians during the hearings. He emphasized the immediate, medium, and long-term consequences on Palestinian rights and existence.
