International Court of Justice Hearings
on Israeli Practices in the “Occupied Territory”

On February 9, 2024, the International Court of Justice announced it would hold public hearings “on the request for an advisory opinion in respect of the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,” from February 19 to February 26 in The Hague. The Court was asked to present an advisory opinion by the 2022 General Assembly Resolution 77/247. The U.S. opposed the court issuing an opinion on the “occupation,” calling it “counterproductive.”

Israel said that the hearings infringe on “Israel’s right to defend itself against existential threats” and that it does not recognize the legitimacy of the hearings and will not attend.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyadh al-Maliki said his people “have endured both colonialism and apartheid” for decades.

South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, accused Israel of perpetuating a “more extreme form” of apartheid than the one that once existed in his country. He said during South Africa’s presentation to the court that Israel “discriminates against and fragments all Palestinian people to ensure the maintenance of Israeli Jewish domination.”

The United States representative spoke against the accusations lodged against Israel, saying that calls for Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territory ignored “very real security needs.”

After giving its opinion, the General Assembly will be responsible for deciding what, if any, action to take.

Sources: Kelsey Ables and Niha Masih, “ICJ hearings on Israel’s occupation: What to know,” Washington Post, (February 21, 2024).
“Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,” Press Release, International Court of Justice, (February 9, 2024).