Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki (R) and Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour (L) attend a public hearing at the ICJ on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory. (Photo: Reuters)

At this trial, which is expected to last until February 26, judges will assess the legal ramifications of Israel's occupation. Representatives of 52 countries, including the US, Russia, China, South Africa, and Egypt, are expected to present evidence to the judges.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki will address the court. Israel has chosen not to send a representative, but will provide documents.

EU foreign and security policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday that 26 of 27 EU members are calling for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian purposes in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The EU is urging Israel to refrain from launching its planned military operation in Rafah, because such an operation would have disastrous consequences for the 1.5 million people who have sought refuge in Rafah.

The US has proposed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible. This draft was submitted after Algeria asked the UNSC to vote on its resolution last week.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Israel has maintained high-intensity attacks by land, air, and sea against Gaza. Since the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel conflict last October, 29,000 Palestinians have been killed and 69,000 injured.