A Palestinian envoy accused Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Monday of killing and displacing civilians and targeting humanitarian workers in Gaza, amid mounting international legal scrutiny of Israel’s conduct.
Speaking before the court, Palestinian envoy to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi charged that “Israel is starving, killing and displacing Palestinians while also targeting and blocking humanitarian organizations trying to save their lives.” He urged the court to affirm Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law and hold it accountable for alleged violations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel denounced the proceedings as part of a campaign of “systematic persecution and delegitimization” and chose not to participate in the hearings. Israeli officials argue their military efforts are aimed at Hamas militants, not civilians, and stress the use of human shields by Hamas.
Earlier this month, six UN agencies issued an urgent appeal for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza. They warned that critical infrastructure has collapsed, with hospitals non-functional, food stocks depleted, and over 1.5 million Palestinians internally displaced. Aid workers themselves have become targets, with at least 408 humanitarian personnel killed since October 2023. The agencies stressed that continued blockade and attacks show an “utter disregard for human life” and called on world leaders to protect civilians and renew a ceasefire.
The ICJ hearing takes place against a backdrop of devastating human loss. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, since October 7, 2023, more than 52,314 Palestinians have been killed and over 117,792 wounded in the conflict. Since the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18, 2,222 people have been killed and 5,751 wounded.
Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered its pretrial chamber to reconsider Israel’s jurisdictional challenge related to arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Although the warrants remain active, a decision finding that the ICC lacks jurisdiction could nullify them.
Separately, UN human rights experts called for more states to join the Hague Group, a coalition seeking to enforce accountability for Israel’s actions. Warning that inaction threatens the international rule-based order, the experts urged coordinated efforts to safeguard human rights and prevent further humanitarian disasters.
The ICJ’s advisory opinion, though non-binding, could shape future international responses as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.
Article: Palestine envoy accuses Israel of targeting civilians and aid workers at ICJ hearing
