UN Court to Debate Legality of Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories

The International Court of Justice is holding hearings on the legality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian-claimed lands, focusing on the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem. Palestinian representatives argue that the occupation violates international law by annexing land, denying self-determination, and enforcing apartheid. The court's decision, though not legally binding, could impact international aid to Israel and public opinion. Israel is expected to justify the occupation on security grounds, while Palestinians and rights groups claim it has become an apartheid system. The case was brought to the court after a U.N. General Assembly vote, and an advisory opinion is expected to take months.