UN court begins hearings into Israeli occupation of Palestinian-claimed lands

Against the backdrop of the Israel – Hamas war, a United Nations top court began a week of hearings into the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian-claimed lands.

It comes as Israel says it will expand military operations if hostages are not returned by the beginning of Ramadan in mid-March.

Protests roared outside of the International Court of Justice in the Hague as proceedings began.

It is a historic and unprecedented hearing that will take place over the next six days.

Jon Allen, Canada’s ambassador to Israel from 2006 to 2010, says he’s watching the case closely.

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“These are issues, some of them, that have never been dealt with before,” he said. “The apartheid issue has been dealt with before but not the question of settlements and this occupation.”

Palestinian representatives are expected to argue that the Israeli occupation of Gaza has violated key tenants of international law, including the imposition of a system of racial discrimination and apartheid.

Israel is not scheduled to speak, though it could submit a written statement.

Political science professor Aurel Braun is also monitoring the proceedings, though he does not expect much to come of it.

“This is a court that has no enforcement powers, any judgment is either advisory, or if it is a firm judgment it can only be enforced through a resolution in the security council.”

Concerns continue to grow over an Israeli ground attack against the city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians live, should hostages not be released by the beginning of Ramadan.

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“Most leaders in the world have expressed concerns about that and I hope that Israel has a plan although it’s not clear how you’re going to move 1.2 or 1.3 million people out of Rafah and where you are going to send them.” said Allen.

Braun says he would like to see Canada take a stronger position on the war in Gaza.

“Under pressure the Trudeau government has tried to walk on both sides of the street.”

A court ruling is not expected for several months.

While world leaders work to find a solution, thousands of people continue to lose their lives in the region.

On Monday, a group of experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council said alleged rights violations against Palestinian women and girls in the Gaza Strip and West Bank must be investigated.