In a historic six-day hearing at The Hague, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently witnessing testimony from more than 50 countries, as they seek a nonbinding legal opinion against Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza since 1967. This significant participation marks the largest-ever engagement in the court's history.

The legal arguments being put forth highlight Israel's alleged instrumentalization of international humanitarian law to advance its settler-colonial project in Palestine. The Palestinian human rights organization, Al-Haq, submitted an advisory opinion to the ICJ, asserting that Israel's occupation is illegal.

Ahmed Abofoul, a legal research and advocacy officer at Al-Haq, expressed confidence in the court's decision, stating, "I have no doubt that the court will decide that Israel's occupation is illegal." He further emphasized that the world's attention is now directed towards the United States and how it will respond to the ruling, as it has been a staunch ally of Israel.

During the proceedings, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki described the ongoing situation in Gaza as a result of decades of impunity and inaction. Palestinian envoy to the U.N., Riyad Mansour, delivered a heartfelt testimony, appealing to the ICJ to guide the international community in upholding international law and achieving a just and lasting peace.

The ICJ hearing should not be confused with another case recently brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of genocide. The current hearing focuses on seeking a legal opinion from the court rather than engaging in a contentious case.

The legal arguments presented in the case highlight three main violations by Israel: acquisition of territory by force, violations of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, and the imposition of a regime of racial discrimination and demographic manipulation, tantamount to apartheid.

This landmark case carries great significance, as it may provide a clear legal characterization of Israel's regime over the Palestinian people, which could help in remedying the ongoing delay in achieving a just settlement. The ruling of the ICJ will be of utmost importance in shaping international responses to Israel's actions and holding it accountable within the framework of international law.

The court's decision may also have repercussions beyond the legal sphere. Previous ICJ rulings have influenced public opinion and created momentum for broader societal mobilization, as witnessed during the end of South African apartheid. Therefore, the aftermath of the ruling and the utilization of its outcome in diplomatic efforts could play a crucial role in progressing towards a just and peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In the midst of these legal proceedings, Israeli society's reaction to the war and the occupation remains a critical concern. Radicalization within Israeli society has contributed to the growing support for extreme right-wing policies and the reluctance to address the rights of Palestinians. The recent attempt to expel lawmaker Ofer Cassif, who supports the genocide case against Israel at the ICJ, highlights the challenging dynamics within the Israeli political landscape.

As the hearing at the ICJ continues, all eyes are on the court's decision. Whether this nonbinding legal opinion will have a tangible impact on Israeli actions and global responses remains to be seen. However, the overwhelming participation of more than 50 countries signals the global interest in addressing the Israeli occupation, emphasizing the need for a just and lasting solution to the long-standing conflict in the region.