The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has approved the African Union’s (AU) request to take part in advisory proceedings on Israel’s obligations concerning the United Nations’ operations and activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. The court’s decision allows the AU to contribute insights into the matter under consideration by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The African Union has been granted a deadline of February 28, 2025, to submit its written statement.
This move underlines the growing diplomatic role the AU is playing in global affairs, particularly concerning issues related to international law and sovereignty. The advisory proceedings are based on a December 19, 2024 resolution by the UNGA, which sought an opinion from the ICJ on Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power. The resolution specifically queries Israel’s obligations toward facilitating essential supplies, humanitarian aid, and development assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, and how these activities interact with the work of the UN and other international organizations.
The ICJ’s invitation to the AU highlights its role as a key regional body with a vested interest in the situation in Palestine. In addition to the AU, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States have also been allowed to join the case.
In a related development, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas spoke at the African Union Summit, reaffirming Africa’s historical support for Palestine, although divisions within the AU regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict have become more evident in recent years. While countries such as South Africa and Algeria remain firmly pro-Palestinian, nations like Kenya have fostered stronger relations with Israel, particularly in sectors like agriculture, defense, and cybersecurity. This shift in policy was further highlighted when Israel secured observer status at the AU in 2021, a decision that sparked controversy and revealed underlying political differences within the Union.
The decision to grant the African Union the right to participate in the proceedings marks a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Africa and global matters related to international law, human rights, and the Israel-Palestine issue.