The International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court, recently concluded a significant six-day hearing on the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of lands sought by Palestinians for a future state. The majority of voices at the hearing argued against the Israeli government, asserting that Israel was violating international law and calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
During the proceedings, an unprecedented number of countries presented their views, with many emphasizing the need for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and to work towards implementing a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully.
The hearings were in response to a request by the U.N. General Assembly for a non-binding opinion on the legality of Israel's policies. The court announced that it will issue its opinion in due course, typically within six months after oral proceedings.
While most countries supported the call for an independent Palestinian state, a few, like Fiji, argued against the court issuing an opinion. Fiji highlighted the security concerns raised by recent events, including Hamas attacks that led to casualties and hostage situations.
The United States also cautioned the court against issuing an opinion, urging for an immediate withdrawal from the territories and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel, which did not participate in the oral proceedings, submitted a written statement rejecting the questions posed to the court as biased and defending its right to protect its citizens. Israel has consistently denied accusations of apartheid and criticized international bodies for bias.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine dates back to the 1967 Mideast war when Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians seek these areas for an independent state, while Israel considers the West Bank a disputed territory subject to negotiation.
The peace process has faced numerous obstacles, including Palestinian attacks, Israeli settlement expansion, and disagreements over key issues like borders, Jerusalem's status, and the fate of Palestinian refugees.
In a previous ruling in 2004, the court declared Israel's separation barrier in east Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank as contrary to international law, calling for an immediate halt to construction. Israel, however, has not complied with the ruling.
