Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki addressed the United Nations' highest court on Monday, accusing Israel of imposing "colonialism and apartheid" on his people. Al-Maliki argued that Palestinians have been enduring these conditions under Israeli rule, urging the court to consider the legal implications of Israel's occupation.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is conducting hearings throughout the week to assess the legality of Israel's occupation since 1967. A record 52 countries are expected to provide testimony during the proceedings, held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICJ is based.

Al-Maliki called on the court to declare the occupation illegal and demand its immediate cessation. He emphasized the need for justice, stating that Palestinians have been denied their rights for far too long.

The request for an advisory opinion from the ICJ was made by the UN General Assembly in December 2022, seeking clarification on the "legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem." While any opinion rendered by the ICJ would not be legally binding, it comes at a time of increasing international scrutiny of Israel's actions, particularly following the recent conflict in Gaza.

Separate from these hearings, South Africa has filed a high-profile case accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide during the Gaza offensive. In January, the ICJ ruled that Israel must take steps to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza but did not mandate a ceasefire. The court rejected South Africa's request for additional measures against Israel but reiterated the need for full compliance with its ruling.

The UN General Assembly has tasked the ICJ with considering two main questions: the legal consequences of Israel's violation of Palestinian self-determination rights and the impact of Israel's actions on the status of the occupation. The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the matter by the end of the year.

Israel has chosen not to participate in the hearings and has condemned the UN's request for an advisory opinion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the move as "despicable" and "disgraceful."

Although advisory opinions from the ICJ are non-binding, they hold significant moral and legal weight and can influence international law. Previous advisory opinions from the ICJ have addressed issues such as Kosovo's declaration of independence and apartheid-era South Africa's occupation of Namibia.

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