The International Court of Justice opened hearings today to examine whether Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza constitute a violation of international law. The case focuses on the severe blockade that has drastically limited food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies to the civilian population.

The proceedings were triggered by a request from the United Nations General Assembly, which asked the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on Israel’s responsibilities under international humanitarian law. This case is separate from the ongoing genocide proceedings initiated by South Africa but stems from the same catastrophic conditions in Gaza.

Multiple UN agencies have reported that famine is imminent in northern Gaza and rapidly spreading to other areas. According to the World Food Programme and UNICEF, Israel’s restrictions have prevented sufficient aid from reaching civilians, leading to mass malnutrition, dehydration, and deaths from starvation. Gaza’s health infrastructure, already devastated by Israeli bombardments, has collapsed under the weight of the humanitarian crisis.

Israel defended its actions in initial submissions to the court, arguing that its blockade targets Hamas militants and that efforts are being made to allow humanitarian aid through controlled channels. These claims have been widely disputed by international aid groups on the ground, who report that bureaucratic delays, targeted bombings, and repeated closures of crossings have made meaningful relief impossible.

The ICJ’s review is expected to last several days. Although the court’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political weight. A ruling against Israel could add further pressure on governments supplying military aid and weapons to Israel in violation of international obligations.

The case lays bare a growing international consensus: Israel’s actions in Gaza are not isolated incidents but part of a broader policy that uses starvation as a method of warfare. The Court’s findings could mark a turning point in how the international community responds to the devastation unfolding in Gaza.