International court to hold public hearing on Israel policies in Palestine

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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will on February 19, 2024, hold a public hearing in respect of the legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

In a press release dated February 9, 2024, the public hearings were prompted by the request for an advisory opinion in respect of the issue. The hearing will take place from February 19 to 26 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, the seat of the court.

On December 30, 2022, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution A/RES/77/247 which referring to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, requested the ICJ to give an advisory opinion.

The General Assembly, by Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, requested the ICJ to render an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, from its prolonged occupation, settlement, and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.

They also seek measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and from its adoption of related discriminatory legislation and measures.

Fifty-two States and three international organisations have expressed their intention to participate in the oral proceedings before the Court.

Some of them include South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, USA, Sudan, Spain, Zambia and Tunisia.

“Members of the diplomatic corps, the public, and the media will find below practical information regarding the organisation of the hearings.

According to ICJ Information Officer Joanne Moore, due to the limited number of seats available in the Great Hall of Justice, members of the diplomatic corps of states not participating in the case will not be able to access the courtroom, but will be able to follow the proceedings live in a separate room in the Academy Building on the Peace Palace grounds.

Only 15 seats will be available in the public gallery for each morning and afternoon session; these will be allocated to members of the public on a first-come first-served basis.