In a noteworthy session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a Palestinian agent accused Israel of severe violations against civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza. The accusations were presented by Palestinian envoy to the Netherlands, Ammar Hijazi, who urged the ICJ to affirm Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law and address its alleged abuses in Gaza and the West Bank. Hijazi stated, “Israel is starving, killing and displacing Palestinians while also targeting and blocking humanitarian organizations trying to save their lives.” The [remarks](https://www.youtube.com/live/Hvx52gzzi6g?si=zYe_-GrScNtJaZGj&t=2363) highlight ongoing disputes over Israel’s military tactics.
Israel denounced the ICJ proceedings as part of what it terms a “systematic persecution and delegitimization” campaign, opting not to engage in the hearings. Israeli authorities maintain that their military efforts are focused on Hamas militants and accuse Hamas of using civilians as human shields, complicating military engagements. [The Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/palestinian-envoy-to-icj-israel-targeting-and-blocking-humanitarian-organizations/) provides insight into Israel’s stance and strategic rationale.
Amid the legal proceedings, the United Nations has also been vocal. Six UN agencies recently [called for](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/04/un-agencies-urge-world-leaders-to-ensure-urgent-aid-access-to-gaza/) urgent humanitarian access to Gaza, warning of the collapse of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, and highlighted the dire conditions with over 1.5 million Palestinians internally displaced. Notably, at least 408 humanitarian workers have been [killed](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/04/un-demands-justice-and-answer-from-israel-for-killing-humanitarian-workers-in-gaza/) since October 2023, prompting UN leaders to advocate for reinforced civilian protections and ceasefire initiatives.
The broader legal landscape involves the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is reviewing a jurisdictional challenge concerning arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC recently [ordered](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/04/icc-appeals-court-orders-pretrial-chamber-to-reconsider-israels-jurisdictional-challenge/) a reconsideration of this challenge, although the warrants currently remain effective.
In parallel, UN human rights experts have [urged](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/04/un-experts-urge-states-to-join-hague-group-and-hold-israel-accountable/) more states to join the Hague Group to ensure accountability for Israel’s actions. This is seen as a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of international law and preventing further humanitarian crises.
The ICJ’s advisory opinion, while non-binding, could influence future international policies as the humanitarian situation in Gaza persists. This hearing occurs amidst reports from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, citing over [52,314 deaths](https://www.facebook.com/MOHGaza1994/posts/pfbid02eiNjqMauVn4XXsrVknN5HmnJZjq6Jm1F2F2uKLb1z6jJEP7SnKqqx8XKxqt4EL1ul) and 117,792 injuries since October 7, 2023.
Further coverage and analysis of these developments can be found on [JURIST](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/04/palestine-agent-accuses-israel-of-targeting-civilians-and-aid-workers-at-icj-hearing/), as the international community closely monitors both the legal and humanitarian dimensions of this enduring conflict.