Israel's blockade of Gaza criticized in International Court of Justice hearings

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been hearing testimonies regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, particularly its extensive blockade that has restricted any goods, including vital humanitarian aid, from entering the territory. As Israel's blockade hits the 60-day mark, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated, leading the United Nations to issue severe warnings of impending famine. The UN's World Food Programme has indicated that there is no food left for distribution to the charity kitchens serving half of Gaza's population, while bakeries have shut down due to shortages of flour and fuel. Reports suggest that over 52,000 Palestinians have died since hostilities escalated on October 7, 2023. Amid these dire conditions, the United States has defended Israel's right to selectively engage with aid organizations like UNRWA, which Israel accuses of being infiltrated by Hamas. Testimonies from more than 40 countries during the ICJ hearings predominantly criticized Israel's actions, with the Palestinian ambassador accusing Israel of turning Gaza into a 'mass grave.' Meanwhile, significant concerns have been raised about the lack of medical supplies, with hospitals overwhelmed and conditions worsening daily. The contrasting perspectives between Israel's justification for its blockade and the international community's condemnation highlight the deep divisions in responses to the humanitarian crisis. Critics argue this situation underscores a broader failure of international law to protect innocent lives caught in conflict.