In a new legal escalation, the International Court of Justice will begin hearings today, Monday, in The Hague regarding the Israeli occupation’s obligation to “ensure and facilitate” the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, following more than 50 days of a complete blockade on aid entering the Gaza Strip.

Approximately 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are living in dire humanitarian conditions, as the occupation has prevented the entry of all vital supplies since March 2.

The United Nations General Assembly has tasked the court with providing an advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation’s obligation to facilitate the arrival of international aid.

Despite international pressure, the occupation insists that it will not allow goods to enter unless Hamas releases all hostages.