Q&A: Apartheid in the occupied Palestinian territory and prospects for accountability

Since the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion of July 2024 found Israel in breach of Article 3 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and amid reports that the International Criminal Court may be considering charges of apartheid against two Israeli ministers, the legal concept of apartheid has featured ever more prominently in discussions of Israel's conduct in the occupied Palestinian territory. This Q&A sets out the legal definition of apartheid, how it is assessed by different international courts, and addresses legal questions raised by recent developments. Further inquiries or requests for briefings on this topic may be directed to the IHL Centre’s Advisory Service.

Cover photo: Olive tree and Israeli Separation Barrier, Beit Jala, West Bank, 19 May 2011. Ryan Rodrick Beiler/ACTIVE STILLS. All rights reserved.