Middle East

The court did not order a cease-fire. In 63% of previous cases, it denied similar requests to stop military action.

Over 90% of the world's traded goods are transported by ship.

The ICJ is considering whether to approve provisional measures that would immediately order Israel to stop all military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals for international crimes, has been investigating potential crimes committed in the Palestinian territories since 2021, including those committed by Hamas militants and Israeli military members during the Israel-Hamas war.

The court could rule in a few weeks on whether to implement provisional measures that include ordering Israel to stop military actions in the Gaza Strip while the case is being determined.  

The U.S. has official relationships with nearly every country in the Middle East. Israel, a close U.S. ally, has official ties with only five.

On Dec. 29, South Africa brought genocide charges against Israel in the International Court of Justice. Israel said it will defend itself from the charges at hearings on Jan. 11 and 12 in The Hague. 

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on Dec. 12 that called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war by an overwhelming majority of the 193-member body, receiving 153 votes, compared with 120 votes for the Oct. 27 resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce." 

The U.S. has vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions critical of Israel more than any other council member – 45 times, according to an analysis by Blue Marble. 

Since Oct. 7, people on college campuses across the United States have been struggling with what's happening in Israel and Gaza. Battles surrounding free speech are playing out at universities in Europe, as well.