UN hearings open into Israel’s control of occupied territories

Monday’s session started with foreign affairs minister Riyad al-Maliki speaking as a representative of the Palestinians

The Peace Palace, housing the United Nations’ top court, in The Hague, Netherlands. Picture: Peter Dejong/AP/PA

Historic hearings have opened at the United Nations’ top court into the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state.

The hearings are to last six days before the International Court of Justice.