ICJ hearings on Israel’s occupation: Bangladesh present arguments

Oral proceedings have continued at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. 

More than 50 states and at least three international organisations will address judges at the United Nations’ top court until February 26. 

Bangladesh, South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands and Belgium presented early arguments.

A nonbinding legal opinion is expected after months of deliberation by the judges.

On Monday, Palestinian representatives presented their arguments on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. 

The occupation is illegal and must be brought to an immediate, unconditional and total end, they argued.

Israel is not attending the hearings but sent a five-page written statement saying an advisory opinion would be ‘harmful’ to attempts to resolve the conflict because questions posed by the UN General Assembly are prejudiced.