What's happened
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing arguments regarding Israel's obligations to facilitate humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The hearings involve 40 countries and follow a UN General Assembly request for an advisory opinion on Israel's actions amid a severe humanitarian crisis affecting over 2 million people in Gaza.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points of the ICJ Hearings
- Broad Consensus on Obligations: Many countries assert that Israel, as an occupying power, must allow humanitarian aid to reach the people it occupies. Legal scholars emphasize that starving civilians violates international law.
- US Position: The United States supports Israel's right to control aid delivery, citing security concerns regarding UNRWA's operations. This stance has drawn criticism for potentially undermining humanitarian efforts.
- Impact of Advisory Opinion: While the ICJ's advisory opinion is non-binding, it could influence international legal norms and public opinion regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. However, past ICJ rulings have often been ignored by Israel.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The blockade has led to severe shortages, with reports indicating that food supplies in Gaza have run out, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the testimonies of Palestinian representatives at the hearings.
The outcome of these hearings will likely shape future international responses to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader implications for humanitarian law.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the ICJ hearings have seen broad consensus among participating states that Israel must allow aid to reach Gaza, with legal scholar Juliette McIntyre stating, "Every state, except for two, agrees that Israel is an occupier and it owes certain obligations." In contrast, the US, represented by legal adviser Joshua Simmons, argued that Israel retains the right to determine which organizations can provide aid, emphasizing its security concerns regarding UNRWA. This position has been met with skepticism, as many countries, including Russia, stress the critical role of UNRWA in delivering aid to Palestinians. The Times of Israel reported that Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the hearings as a "circus," reflecting the contentious nature of the proceedings. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the World Food Program indicating that food stocks have run out, leaving many families struggling to survive.
How we got here
The ICJ hearings stem from a UN General Assembly request last year, seeking clarity on Israel's legal obligations after it banned the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Gaza. Israel's blockade has left Palestinians facing dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies since March 2, 2025.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the ICJ's advisory opinion?
- How has the humanitarian situation in Gaza evolved?
- What are the responses from different countries regarding Israel's actions?
Common question
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What Are the Key Issues in the ICJ Hearings on Gaza?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on the Gaza aid blockade have begun, drawing attention to critical humanitarian issues and international law. As 38 countries present their arguments regarding Israel's obligations, many are left wondering about the implications of these hearings. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand the situation better.
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What is Happening with the Ceasefire in Myanmar and the Humanitarian Crisis?
Myanmar is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a recent earthquake and ongoing military actions. Despite a declared ceasefire, the situation remains dire for many civilians. This page addresses key questions surrounding the ceasefire's failure, the impact of the earthquake, and the actions being taken to alleviate the crisis.
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What is the Current Humanitarian Situation in Gaza?
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with over 2 million people affected. As the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears arguments regarding Israel's obligations to facilitate humanitarian aid, many are left wondering about the implications of these discussions and the current state of aid efforts. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the situation better.
More on these topics
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The International Court of Justice, sometimes called the World Court, is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It settles disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues referred to it by the UN. Its opin
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country primarily located in Western Europe and partly in the Caribbean, forming the largest constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.