South Africa urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday to issue a non-binding legal opinion declaring the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as illegal. The request was made during the second day of hearings at the ICJ in The Hague, following a 2022 request by the U.N. General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the occupation. Over 50 states are presenting arguments until Feb. 26.
Palestinian representatives had asked the court on Monday to declare Israel's occupation illegal, suggesting that the opinion could contribute to a two-state solution and lasting peace. Israel did not attend the hearings but sent a written statement, arguing that an advisory opinion would harm efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.
Vusimuzi Madonsela, South Africa's ambassador to the Netherlands, emphasized the importance of a clear legal characterization of Israel's regime over the Palestinian people in achieving a just settlement.
The recent surge of violence in Gaza, triggered by attacks in Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, has further complicated efforts towards peace in the region.
The ICJ's 15-judge panel has been tasked with reviewing Israel's occupation, settlement, and annexation, including measures affecting the demographic composition, character, and status of Jerusalem. The judges are expected to take approximately six months to issue an opinion on the request, which also seeks consideration of the legal status of the occupation and its consequences.