l’Algérie participe aux audiences sur la demande d’avis relatif aux Obligations de l’entité sioniste concernant les activités des Organisations onusiennes en Palestine
LA HAYE – Algeria, represented by Ambassador Salima Abdelhak to the Netherlands, participated in the opening of public hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Monday. These hearings are focused on requests for advisory opinions concerning the obligations of Israel regarding the actions of the United Nations, international organizations, and third states in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Algeria is set to present its oral statement on Tuesday morning, following its prior written contributions to this consultative process, adhering to the protocols outlined by the ICJ. The Algerian legal team includes human rights expert and Vice President of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Maya Sahli Fadel, and international law expert and member of the African Union Commission on International Law, Samia Bourouba.
The ICJ has announced that 40 countries, including Algeria, along with four international organizations — the United Nations, the Arab League, the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — will present oral arguments in this public forum, which will run until May 2.
The hearings commenced with an oral statement from UN representative Elinor Hammarskjold, who highlighted the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Gaza, citing the arbitrary measures taken by Israel to block humanitarian aid since March 2. Hammarskjold emphasized that these actions against Palestinian civilians and the lack of protection for UN personnel constitute clear violations of the UN Charter, international law, and humanitarian law. She stressed that Israel must fulfill its obligations as an occupying power and take necessary measures to ensure humanitarian access to Gaza and protect international staff.
Palestinian representative Ammar Hijazi, leading his country’s delegation composed of legal experts and diplomatic members in The Hague, condemned the "unprecedented and dangerous violations" by Israel against civilians in Gaza, in the context of an ongoing genocidal war since October 7, 2023. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and the complete destruction of health and educational infrastructure in the area.
It’s noteworthy that 40 UN member states, alongside the African Union, the Arab League, and the OIC, have filed a complaint against Israel for its decision to suspend the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In December 2024, 137 states voted in favor of referring this matter to the ICJ, with only 12 voting against.
Summary
Algeria’s Ambassador Salima Abdelhak attended the ICJ’s public hearings in The Hague, focusing on Israel’s obligations concerning the Palestinian territories. Algeria will present its argument following its prior written submission. A legal team representing Algeria includes experts from human rights and international law backgrounds. The hearings saw participation from 40 countries and several international organizations, with discussions centered on Israel’s actions, particularly regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza, which has faced severe restrictions.
UN representative Elinor Hammarskjold opened the hearings by highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to Israel’s actions, citing violations of international law. Palestinian representative Ammar Hijazi condemned Israel’s "dangerous violations" amidst an ongoing conflict, resulting in numerous casualties and infrastructure destruction.
The ICJ hearings are part of a broader complaint filed by multiple countries and organizations against Israel, including the suspension of UNRWA’s activities. The proceedings are significant in addressing humanitarian and legal concerns surrounding the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
