The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, announced on Monday, March 3, that Judge Yuji Iwasawa has been elected as its new president. Iwasawa will complete the term of former president Nawaf Salam, who resigned in January to become Lebanon’s prime minister. The term runs until February 5, 2027.
Judge Yuji Iwasawa, a Japanese legal scholar, has been a member of the ICJ since 2018. Before his latest appointment, he served as a professor of international law at the University of Tokyo and chaired the United Nations Human Rights Committee. His extensive experience in international law and human rights has made him a highly respected figure in the global legal community.
The Role of the International Court of Justice
Established in 1945, the ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is based in The Hague, Netherlands. Its primary role is to resolve legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on international legal issues. The court has recently gained global attention for its rulings on contentious cases, including those involving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ICJ’s Controversial Ruling on Israel and Palestine
The ICJ has been at the center of international scrutiny due to its involvement in cases related to the Gaza war. In July, the court ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since the 1967 Middle East war, along with its settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. The court called for Israel to withdraw from these areas as soon as possible.
While Palestinians and much of the international community view the settlements as illegal, Israel disputes this, citing historical, biblical, and security reasons for its presence in the region. The ICJ’s rulings continue to shape the discourse on international law and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Why It Matters
As the newly elected president of the ICJ, Judge Iwasawa faces the challenge of steering the court through complex and politically sensitive cases. His leadership will be vital in maintaining the court’s credibility and ensuring its rulings are respected by the international community.
