International Court of Justice Orders Israel to Address Famine in Gaza | UPSC

International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to address famine in Gaza and ensure the unhindered supply of food.

About International Court of Justice (ICJ):

• Established in 1945 and located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ serves as the UN’s primary judicial body.
  • It is the only UN organ not located in New York City.
• It succeeded the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), established in 1920 by the League of Nations.
• All UN member states are parties to the ICJ statute, and non-members may also become parties.
• The ICJ adjudicates disputes between nations based on international law and provides advisory opinions on legal matters referred to it by authorized UN organs and agencies.
• The ICJ consists of a panel of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms.
• Its official working languages are English and French.

Working of ICJ:

• Cases before the ICJ can be resolved in three ways: parties can settle the case, a state can withdraw proceedings, or the court can deliver a verdict.
• The ICJ delivers binding and final judgments on the parties to a case, which are not subject to appeal but may be subject to interpretation or revision if new facts are discovered.
• The court lacks enforcement powers, but according to Article 94 of the UN Charter:
  • “If any party fails to perform obligations under a judgment, the other party may seek recourse to the Security Council, which may recommend or decide on measures to give effect to the judgment.”

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