SEAToday.com, Den Haag- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun a series of hearings on the decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. Its first day was held in The Hague, Netherlands on Monday (2/19) and will continue until February 26. 

The case, “Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”, is a separate case from South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. Representatives for Palestine have called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and the system of apartheid enforced by Israel. “The Palestinians have endured colonialism and apartheid,” said Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki.

The hearing will address how the Israeli policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem “affect the legal status of the occupation” and its consequences for the rest of the world. It will hear from 52 countries and three international organizations, the highest number of states participating in ICJ’s history. 

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will deliver Indonesia's oral statement regarding Palestinian issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday (23/2). Indonesia has already provided its written statement back in July 2023. This upcoming oral statement will be Indonesia's next effort to support the Palestinian people. 

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lalu Muhamad Iqbal previously stated that there was a change in the schedule for the delivery of the oral statement, from 19 February to 23 February. According to him, this is due to the number of countries that will give its statements. (DANTI/DKD)