"ICJ Hearings: US and Russia Address Israeli Occupation at U.N. Court"

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding proceedings to examine the legality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, with the United States and Russia set to present arguments. More than 50 states will present their views, with Palestinian representatives urging the court to declare the occupation illegal. The ICJ's 15-judge panel has been asked to review Israel's "occupation, settlement and annexation" and is expected to take roughly six months to issue their opinion. Israel, which is not participating, has expressed concerns about the court's involvement, while the latest surge of violence in Gaza has complicated efforts towards peace.