The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has authorized the African Union to take part in consultations on Israel's obligations in regard to the presence of international organizations on the Palestinian territory.
"The International Court of Justice has authorized the African Union, at its request, to participate in the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations, and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory," the court said in a statement on Thursday.
Earlier in February, at the request of the UN General Assembly, the ICJ authorized the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States to participate in the proceedings.
In December 2023, South Africa filed a claim against Israel at the ICJ over its war on Gaza, calling on the United Nations' court to take provisional measures against the Israeli authorities. South Africa pointed out that Israel's actions against Palestinians in the enclave were in "violation of obligations under the Genocide Convention."
In January, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures necessary to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip, punish calls for genocide against Palestinians, and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to people in Gaza. It stopped short of obligating Israel to halt the offensive, which South Africa asked for in the lawsuit.