UN Court Hears Palestinian Claims Against Israeli Actions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Palestinian envoy accused Israel at the UN’s top court of killing civilians and blocking humanitarian aid in Gaza, while Israel condemned the case as political persecution. Israel declined to participate in Monday’s hearing. The proceedings could impact global perceptions of Israel’s actions.
Palestinians Accuse Israel at UN Court Over Gaza: Quick Looks
- Palestinian diplomat says Israel is killing, displacing Gaza civilians.
- Israel denies accusations, calls case “systematic persecution.”
- UN court hearings focus on Israel’s international legal obligations.
- Israel blocks UNRWA from operating; aid system nearing collapse.
- U.S. to present arguments later this week.
- Court’s advisory opinion could influence international pressure on Israel.
- Israel accuses UNRWA of ties to Hamas; UN agency denies claims.
- Over 51,000 Palestinians reported killed since the war began.
UN Court Hears Palestinian Claims Against Israeli Actions
Deep Look
Palestinian Diplomat Accuses Israel of Targeting Gaza Civilians at UN Court
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict erupted Monday at the United Nations’ top court, where a Palestinian representative accused Israel of widespread human rights violations, including killing civilians, displacing families, and obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries.
Speaking before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Palestinian Ambassador Ammar Hijazi said Israel was systematically breaching international law through its actions in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“Israel is starving, killing and displacing Palestinians while also targeting and blocking humanitarian organizations trying to save their lives,” Hijazi told the court.
Israel, which did not attend the hearing, strongly rejected the claims, calling the proceedings a political attack designed to delegitimize its right to self-defense.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
The hearings come at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza is nearing total collapse. Israel has blocked the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and humanitarian supplies since March 2, further tightening its grip after ending a ceasefire on March 18.
The World Food Program recently announced it had exhausted its food stockpiles in Gaza, deepening the crisis for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Despite escalating Israeli military operations aimed at forcing Hamas to release hostages, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
Legal Arguments at the ICJ
The court is hearing arguments following a UN General Assembly request to assess Israel’s legal responsibilities after its ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) operating in Israel.
Lawyer Paul Reichler, representing the Palestinians, argued that under the Geneva Conventions, an occupying power must facilitate humanitarian relief efforts.
“It must facilitate them by all the means at its disposal,” Reichler emphasized.
UN Undersecretary-General for Legal Affairs Elinor Hammarskjöld echoed that sentiment, stating that security measures must not deny humanitarian organizations the ability to operate.
What Happens Next
A total of 40 states and four international organizations will participate in the hearings, with the United States scheduled to speak Wednesday. Although the ICJ’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, they can significantly shape international law and diplomatic efforts.
“Advisory opinions provide clarity,” said Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert from the University of South Australia.
Governments may use the eventual ruling to pressure Israel to ease its restrictions on aid delivery.
However, Israel has previously disregarded ICJ rulings, including a 2004 opinion declaring its West Bank separation barrier illegal.
Israel Pushes Back
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the United Nations and its institutions of bias.
“I accuse UNRWA, I accuse the U.N., I accuse the secretary-general and I accuse all those that weaponized international law…to deprive Israel of its basic right to defend itself,” Saar said.
He characterized the hearing as part of a “systematic persecution and delegitimization” of Israel.
UNRWA Controversy
Tensions between Israel and UNRWA have deepened. Israel banned UNRWA from operating within its borders earlier this year, alleging ties between agency employees and Hamas.
Israeli officials claim UNRWA staff members facilitated militant activities, pointing to tunnels under UNRWA facilities and citing alleged participation of staff in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis.
While UNRWA acknowledges firing nine employees following an internal investigation, it contests Israel’s broader allegations, noting that evidence has not been fully verified.
The ban has critically impaired UNRWA’s ability to deliver aid to Gaza, where it has been a lifeline for millions of Palestinians since its creation in 1949.
Mounting Casualties
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 51,000 Palestinians — primarily women and children — have been killed since Israel’s military operations began. Israel contends that it has killed approximately 20,000 Hamas militants, though it has not provided detailed evidence to support that figure.
As legal battles unfold in The Hague, the human toll in Gaza continues to rise, and international pressure on both Israel and Hamas intensifies.
The ICJ’s eventual advisory opinion, expected in several months, could influence diplomatic relations, humanitarian operations, and global perceptions of the conflict.
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