ICJ opens historic hearings into Israels occupation of Palestinian territories

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Monday opens a week of hearings on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, with more than 50 states due to address the judges. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki will speak first in the legal proceedings. In 2022, the UN General Assembly asked the court for an advisory, or non-binding, opinion on the occupation. The hearings will be held until February 26, after that the judges are expected to take several months to deliberate before issuing an advisory opinion. Amongst countries scheduled to participate in the hearings are the United States - Israel’s strongest backer, China, Russia, South Africa and Egypt. Israel will not participate, although it has sent written observations.