International Court of Justice Opens Hearings on Israel’s Responsibility for Starvation in Gaza

The Hague (Quds News Network)- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has opened hearings to examine Israel’s responsibility for the humanitarian disaster in Gaza caused by its siege and starvation tactics. The hearings began Monday in The Hague and will continue throughout the week.

The United Nations General Assembly requested the ICJ’s intervention last year. It asked the court to assess whether Israel is fulfilling its legal duty to provide essential aid to Gaza.

Since the Gaza genocide began 18 months ago, Israel has severely restricted aid. Palestinians face critical shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.

Over the next five days, 38 countries will present their arguments to the 15-judge panel. The list includes the United States, China, Russia, France, and Saudi Arabia. The Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and African Union will also speak.

Palestinian official Ammar Hijazi stated that Israel uses aid restrictions as a weapon of war.
Speaking to the court, Hijazi said no food or medicine had entered Gaza since March 2. This marked the beginning of Israel’s longest-ever total blockade of Gaza.

“Starvation is here,” Hijazi told the judges. “Humanitarian aid is being used as a weapon of war.”

The ICJ is treating the case as a high priority. While its advisory opinion is nonbinding, it could influence future international legal actions.

Under international law, Israel has two main obligations. First, as an occupying power, it must ensure education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid in the territories it controls. Second, as a UN member, it must respect UN immunity and facilitate UN operations. Failing these duties could mean Israel is violating international law.

Israel is not participating directly in the hearings but submitted written objections. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the hearings “part of a systematic persecution and delegitimisation of Israel.”

“It is not Israel that should be on trial. It is the UN and UNRWA,” Saar told reporters in occupied  Jerusalem. Israel has blocked UNRWA from delivering aid to Gaza.