The International Court of Justice (I.C.J.) has opened hearings to gauge the responsibility Israel holds for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the government’s war with Hamas. Responsibility for the denied flow of essential supplies into Gaza will notably be determined.

According to Al Jazeera, over the next week, thirty-eight countries, including the United States, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, will address a fifteen-judge panel to discuss how Israel’s actions align with international law. The League of Arab States, Islamic Cooperation, and African Union will also address this panel.

Ammar Hijazi, a Palestinian official, stated that Israel’s blocking of aid was “a weapon of war.” No food or medical supplies have entered Gaza since the blockade was implemented by Israel on March 2, 2025. 2.3 million Gazans have been denied aid because of this blockade.

The United Nations has asked the I.C.J. to provide an advisory opinion. This advisory opinion is likely to set a future precedent for international law. However, the ruling will be nonbinding; it is up to the nation-state to implement the law. 

According to The Washington Post, Israel refused to appear before the I.C.J. because of the Court’s alleged bias against Israel. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated, “[This is to] delegitimize Israel and undermine our right to self-defense… I will accuse the U.N. and the International Court of Justice. Israel should accuse… We are not a member state of the I.C.J… [It is] ridiculous to have [a case] against a non-member state.” 

Elinor Hammarskjöld, under-secretary-general of the U.N., said in an opening statement that there is an “urgent need” for a ceasefire in Gaza so humanitarian aid can reach civilians. “Israel has the obligation to render assistance to such activities of the United Nations,” Hammarskjöld stated.

According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on April 25th, 2025 that he pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow aid into Gaza. He stated, “We’re going to take care of [opening access points]. There’s a very big need for food and medicine, and we’re taking care of it.” 

The Gaza War began on October 7th, 2023 when Hamas, the governing authority of Gaza, killed nearly 1,200 people and took around two hundred hostages — according to The Times of Israel and PBS News. In response, the Israeli government set out to “eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governing capabilities.” However, there are issues with the Hamas’ legitimacy as elections have not been held in Gaza since 2006 (because of conflicts with other Palestinian authorities, the Palestinian diaspora, and the Israeli occupation). The conflict between Israel and Palestine began even before the Balfour Declaration was signed in 1917, promising a Jewish state in the land of Palestine. 

The O.W.P. will be closely monitoring the International Court of Justice’s hearings as more information becomes available.