The Palestinian resistance movement has welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on Israel’s legal obligations as an occupying power, calling it a long-overdue step toward confronting the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In a statement released on Monday, Hamas praised the ICJ for opening a week of hearings to examine whether Israel is violating international law by blocking humanitarian aid and banning UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, from operating in Gaza. The group highlighted the significance of the Court’s advisory role in holding Israel accountable for policies that have weaponised hunger and siege tactics against civilians.

Although the ICJ’s forthcoming decision is non-binding, it carries substantial legal and moral weight. Previous rulings by the Court have already recognised that Israel’s actions may amount to genocide, and that its decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law. The movement accused Israel of deliberately ignoring these rulings while intensifying its siege and targeting civilian infrastructure.

The Palestinian envoy to the Netherlands, Ammar Hijazi, told the Court that Israel is carrying out a “genocidal campaign” against Palestinians. He and other representatives pointed to mass starvation, forced displacement, and systematic obstruction of aid as part of a broader effort to eliminate the Palestinian presence in Gaza.

The hearings, scheduled from 28 April to 2 May, will see statements from 40 states and four international organisations. Israel has chosen not to attend in person, submitting only a written statement.

For many Palestinians, the ICJ’s proceedings offer a rare moment of visibility and a glimmer of hope that the international community may finally begin to act on its legal and moral responsibilities.