Hamas Applauds International Court of Justice Hearings on ‘israel’s’ Humanitarian Responsibilities to Palestinians

Hamas released a statement on Monday in response to the International Court of Justice’s commencement of a week-long series of hearings regarding allegations of Israel’s violations of international law. The proceedings are centered on Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and its ban on the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees.

The tribunal situated in The Hague is poised to deliver an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations at a subsequent date. While the ruling is non-binding, it holds significant legal influence and may impact governmental policies regarding the contested entity.

Hamas has claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has underscored the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, labeling it as a clear breach of international humanitarian law. The ICJ reportedly exposed the occupation’s use of starvation tactics as a weapon of war directed against civilian populations.

The resistance group emphasized the necessity of implementing the court’s prior decisions, which they claim Israel has intentionally disregarded by persisting in actions described as genocide in Gaza, intensifying siege and starvation strategies, and targeting civilian infrastructure.

The statement calls on the international community, along with legal and human rights organizations, to fulfill their legal and moral obligations by going beyond mere verbal condemnations. It emphasizes the need for tangible actions to ensure accountability for the occupation and to put an end to the alleged crimes and the suffering of the people affected.

On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a military operation in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 52,314 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and leaving over 117,792 individuals injured.

The administration in Tel Aviv has agreed to long-standing negotiation terms set forth by Hamas, as part of a ceasefire in Gaza that commenced on January 19.

Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire on March 2, halting the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. The nation also recommenced its intensive aerial bombing campaign and redeployed military forces to the blockaded area.

In January 2024, the International Court of Justice issued a directive, mandating Israel to employ all available measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. By June 2024, the court provided an advisory opinion, concluding that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East al-Quds, and Gaza is unlawful.

The Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ammar Hijazi, addressed the court, accusing Israel of conducting a “genocidal campaign” against the Palestinian people. He further asserted that the actions of the Israeli regime pose a threat of irreversible harm to Palestinians.

He noted that Israel is accused of starving, killing, and displacing Palestinians, while also targeting and obstructing humanitarian organizations attempting to provide aid.

Palestine’s United Nations Ambassador, Riyad Mansour, conveyed to the judges that the current circumstances mark an unparalleled period of suffering for the Palestinian people.

Israel is reportedly aiming to intentionally deprive the population in Gaza, leaving them with “no way to survive,” according to statements made. It was further noted that the residents are “trapped between death and displacement” in the blockaded region.

A total of 40 states and four international organizations are scheduled to deliver statements during the International Court of Justice hearings taking place from April 28 to May 2.

Israel has opted not to participate in the proceedings but has submitted a written statement to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that it is not Israel that should be under scrutiny, but rather the United Nations and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).