The International Court of Justice’s latest advisory opinion on Israel’s conduct in Gaza has reignited long-standing debates over fairness, context, and credibility in international law. While presented as a neutral interpretation of legal obligations, the opinion overlooks critical national security realities, ongoing humanitarian efforts, and the political motives that continue to undermine trust in global institutions.

For us at the Legal Integrity Project, the lesson is crystal clear: legitimacy in international law cannot be decreed; it must be earned through rigour, neutrality, and humility. If courts become arenas for political theatre, their judgments will speak loudly but persuade few