The United States and Russia are presenting their arguments on Wednesday at the UN’s highest court, which is examining the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, was tasked by the UN General Assembly in 2022 to provide a non-binding opinion on the legal implications of the occupation.
Israel, however, is not participating in the proceedings and has expressed concerns that the court’s involvement could hinder efforts to reach a negotiated settlement. Despite opposition from Washington in 2022 regarding the court’s opinion, it is expected to argue on Wednesday that the court lacks jurisdiction to rule on the lawfulness of the occupation.
Over 50 states are slated to present arguments until February 26, with Egypt and France scheduled to speak on Wednesday. Palestinian representatives have urged the court to declare Israel’s occupation illegal, stating that such a declaration could aid in achieving a two-state solution.
On Tuesday, 10 states, including South Africa, heavily criticized Israel’s actions in the occupied territories, urging the court to declare the occupation illegal. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza following Hamas’ attacks in Israel has further complicated efforts toward peace in the region.
The ICJ’s 15-judge panel has been tasked with reviewing various aspects of Israel’s occupation, settlement, and annexation, including measures affecting the demographic composition and status of Jerusalem. It is expected to take approximately six months for the court to issue its opinion on the matter.
Notably, Israel disregarded a previous World Court opinion in 2004 that deemed its separation wall in the West Bank a violation of international law. The current hearings could intensify political pressure regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, where the recent conflict has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 conflict, territories that Palestinians seek for their statehood. While Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it, along with Egypt, maintains control over its borders.
Israeli leaders argue that these territories are not formally occupied since they were acquired from Jordan and Egypt during the 1967 war, rather than from a sovereign Palestine.
