ICJ to Deliver Verdict on Israel's Occupation of Palestinian Territories

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver its opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories on July 19. The ruling could add political pressure on Israel regarding its nine-month-old conflict with Hamas. The ICJ's verdict follows arguments from 52 countries.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver its opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories on July 19, as announced on Friday. Also known as the World Court, the ICJ heard arguments from a record 52 countries about the legal ramifications of Israel's actions in the territories in February after the U.N. General Assembly requested an advisory, non-binding opinion in 2022.

Historically, Israel has disregarded such opinions, but the upcoming ICJ ruling could intensify political pressure amid its devastating nine-month-old war against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The U.N.-affiliated ICJ remains the only international court adjudicating general disputes between nations and offers advisory opinions on international legal issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)