The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest court in the UN, has opened hearings to hear arguments over Israel’s legal obligations to cooperate with the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, Unrwa, and to permit aid to Palestinians, both of which Israel has prohibited in Gaza.
On March 2, Israel halted supplies entering Gaza, claiming this was done to put pressure on Hamas to free the hostages. Israel disputes the UN and relief organizations’ claims that food and supplies are running low in Gaza.
Israel broke off relations with Unrwa last year after alleging that it was working with Hamas.
Although a decision might not be made for some months, the proceedings at The Hague are anticipated to last five days.
The ambassador of Palestine to the Hague’s international organizations is Ammar Hijazi.
