The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin a week-long series of hearings today to address Israel’s humanitarian responsibilities toward Palestinians, as Gaza endures a catastrophic 50-day total blockade.

The proceedings, starting at 10:00 AM (0800 GMT) in The Hague, open with submissions from Palestinian representatives, followed by arguments from 38 countries, including the United States, China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, as well as organizations like the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union.

Prompted by a December 2024 UN General Assembly resolution led by Norway, the hearings seek an urgent ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations under international law to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. The United Nations has called on the Court to clarify Israel’s duties to ensure unimpeded delivery of life-saving assistance in coordination with UN agencies, international organizations, and third-party states.

Gaza faces an escalating humanitarian crisis, with aid deliveries halted since March 2 following the collapse of a brief ceasefire. The blockade has blocked critical supplies, pushing the territory toward famine. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported on April 27 that its flour reserves in Gaza were fully depleted, while the World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed on April 25 that its food stocks had run out. UNRWA noted that nearly 3,000 aid trucks remain stranded at Gaza’s borders, denied entry by Israeli authorities for over seven weeks.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the situation on social media, stating, “#Gaza: children are starving. The Government of Israel continues to block the entry of food + other basics. A manmade & politically motivated starvation. Nearly 2 months of siege. Calls to bring in supplies are going unheeded.” Humanitarian organizations warn of a “man-made famine” without immediate intervention.

Palestinian representatives and international actors argue that Israel’s blockade violates international humanitarian law, urging the ICJ to hold Israel accountable. While the ICJ’s advisory opinion is non-binding, it is expected to carry significant political and moral weight amid growing global outrage over Gaza’s suffering. (ILKHA)