The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has entered the third day of public hearings as it considers a request from the United Nations General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

The case, officially titled “Legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,” examines Israel’s obligations under international law, particularly in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations, and third States in the region.

The Court has received a substantial number of written submissions from United Nations member states and international bodies. These documents, reflecting a wide range of legal and political positions, serve as the foundation for the ongoing oral proceedings. Over the course of five days, representatives from participating states and organisations will deliver statements, presenting arguments and interpretations of relevant legal frameworks.

Once the oral phase concludes, the panel of judges will retire for closed deliberations—a process that may take several weeks. The Court will then publicly deliver its advisory opinion in open session.

Although ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant authority within the international legal community. Past opinions have played a vital role in shaping diplomatic discourse and contributing to the development of international law.

This advisory process comes at a time of heightened global scrutiny over the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with the Court’s opinion expected to influence ongoing discussions within the United Nations and beyond.

Agencies.