Historic UN hearing examines legality of Israeli occupation of lands claimed by Palestinians. The International Court of Justice will hear “a litany of accusations and grievances that will likely be uncomfortable and embarrassing for Israel,” said one legal expert.
Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek all three territories for an independent state; Israel rejects any accusation of apartheid.. The court will likely take months to rule, but experts say the decision, while not legally binding, could profoundly impact international jurisprudence, international aid to Israel and public opinion.