Overview

• The ICJ hearings, running from April 28 to May 2, involve 39 delegations presenting evidence on the humanitarian impact of Israel's total aid blockade imposed on March 2, 2025.
• Palestinian representative Ammar Hijazi accused Israel of using the blockade as 'a weapon of war,' citing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies in Gaza.
• UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini and other officials described the situation as a 'man-made famine' driven by political motives, with half a million Palestinians displaced since March.
• Israel has abstained from the hearings but is represented indirectly by the United States, which is set to present its position later this week.
• The ICJ's forthcoming advisory opinion, though non-binding, is expected to clarify Israel's obligations under international law and could increase diplomatic pressure on the country.