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The start of a civil case accusing United States President Joe Biden and other senior US officials of being complicit in Israel's actions in Gaza has commenced at a federal court in California. Lawyers representing Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appeared in court on Friday alongside the plaintiffs, who allege "failure to prevent and complicity in the Israeli government's unfolding genocide."

The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), a US civil liberties group, filed the lawsuit on behalf of human rights organizations Defence for Children - Palestine and Al-Haq, as well as eight Palestinians and US citizens with relatives in Gaza. During Friday's proceedings, the court heard testimonies from lawyers, activists, and organizers, including doctors from Gaza, shedding light on the dire situation faced by Palestinians over the past four months.

Since the war erupted on October 7, over 26,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in Israel's bombardment of Gaza. This came in response to a Hamas attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,100 people. According to the CCR's complaint, Biden, Blinken, and Austin have not only failed to uphold their obligation to prevent genocide but have also enabled the conditions for its development by providing unwavering military and diplomatic support to Israel.

The CCR is now seeking a declaration from the court, stating that the defendants violated customary international law and their duty to take all necessary measures to halt Israel's alleged genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza. Additionally, the group is urging the US to use its influence over Israel to put an end to the hostilities against Palestinians in Gaza.

Al Jazeera's reporter, Rob Reynolds, based at the court in Oakland, highlighted the CCR's argument that the US's provision of weapons to Israel violates the 1948 Genocide Convention. In response, lawyers for the Biden administration are contending that the court lacks the authority to rule on the matter, citing the political doctrine that pertains to the separation of powers.

The judge also appeared uncertain about his authority in the case. Although questioning his jurisdiction, he started the proceedings by outlining the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. Reynolds emphasized that the core question revolves around whether the judge possesses the authority to make a ruling.

In a separate development, earlier on Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent actions of genocide against Gaza and to provide greater assistance to civilians.

The civil case in California marks a significant legal battle surrounding the contentious issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the proceedings unfold, stakeholders from both sides will keenly observe the outcome, anticipating its potential implications for future US-Israel relations and the pursuit of justice for Palestinians affected by the conflict in Gaza.