Breaking Silence: World Court Debates Israel’s Humanitarian Duties in Gaza

Breaking Silence: World Court Debates Israel’s Humanitarian Duties in Gaza

On 30 April 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) convened its third day of live public hearings in The Hague to examine whether Israel, as an occupying power, must ensure and facilitate humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The UN General Assembly’s December 2024 request focuses on Israel’s obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and the UN Charter.

During today’s session, the United States defended Israel’s sovereign discretion to decide which aid organizations may operate, while UN and Palestinian representatives argued that Israel’s total blockade since 2 March 2025 violates its binding humanitarian duties.

Israel itself boycotted the in-court debate, dismissing the proceedings as political theater and submitting only written pleadings.

The hearings run through 2 May 2025, with a non-binding advisory opinion expected by late Q3 or early Q4 2025.