Israel Fully Responsible for Gaza Humanitarian Crisis, Says ICJ Hearing Begins to Determine Accountability

Israel Fully Responsible for Gaza Humanitarian Crisis, Says ICJ Hearing Begins to Determine Accountability

[The Hague, April 28, 2025] — According to a report by Al Jazeera, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings to determine Israel’s responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The hearing is being held in response to a United Nations petition aimed at assessing whether Israel has taken appropriate measures to allow emergency aid to reach Gaza.

The hearing, which began Monday in The Hague and is expected to continue throughout the week, comes amid an 18-month-long war between Israel and Hamas. Due to the lack of humanitarian aid, Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine. Israel has reportedly blocked the delivery of aid to Gaza, plunging its 2.3 million residents into a deep humanitarian crisis.

As part of the proceedings, 40 countries — including the United States, China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia — will present their positions before a panel of 15 judges. The main goal of the hearing is to evaluate whether Israel’s actions align with international law and human rights treaties.

The Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union will also present arguments emphasizing Israel’s responsibility to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“Weapon of War”

Palestinian senior official Ammar Hijazi told the court that Israel is using humanitarian aid as a “weapon of war.” He stated that since March 2, no food or medical supplies have been allowed into Gaza, during what he described as the longest blockade imposed by Israel. After a subsequent two-month ceasefire collapsed, the humanitarian situation worsened further.

“This is the reality. There is starvation, and humanitarian aid is being used as a weapon of war,” Hijazi said.

The ICJ has instructed the United Nations to provide an “urgent and prioritized” advisory opinion. Although no immediate ruling is expected, the court’s advisory opinion could influence future developments in international legal standards.

Mounting Global Pressure

Al Jazeera’s reporter Rory Challands noted, “Israel will likely ignore this, as it has ignored rulings from the ICJ, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and other international legal bodies in the past.” However, he added, “The pressure against Israel is mounting,” as international courts continue to issue rulings critical of Israeli actions.

“Global Persecution”

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the hearings “part of a global campaign of persecution and defamation against Israel.” He stated, “Israel does not need to be put on trial. The United Nations and UNRWA should be held accountable,” claiming Israel is being unfairly blamed for blocking aid to Gaza, while the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is the one sending it.

This hearing may play a significant role in determining Israel’s accountability under international law and in resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.