Palestinians Slam Israel for ‘Apartheid’ at UN Court

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki addressed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian people under what he described as “colonialism and apartheid” due to Israeli occupation. During the week-long hearings at The Hague, which will see representations from an unprecedented 52 countries including the United States, Russia, and China, Al-Maliki called for the occupation to be declared illegal and to cease “immediately, totally and unconditionally.”

The ICJ’s deliberations focus on the legal ramifications of Israel’s occupation since 1967, spurred by a request from the UN General Assembly in December 2022 for an advisory opinion on Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Although the court’s opinion will be non-binding, it adds to the international legal scrutiny of Israel, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza initiated by Hamas’ attacks on October 7.

The hearings also coincide with a separate case by South Africa accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza, with the ICJ ruling in January that Israel must prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, though it did not mandate a ceasefire.

The UN has tasked the ICJ with examining the consequences of Israel’s actions on Palestinian self-determination, specifically relating to occupation, settlement, annexation, and demographic changes in Jerusalem, as well as related discriminatory legislation. The court’s forthcoming opinion, expected by the end of the year, will not be binding but holds significant moral and legal weight, potentially influencing international law. Israel has not participated in the hearings and has strongly criticized the UN’s request for an advisory opinion.