The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday began hearing into the legality of Israel's controversial separation wall in the West Bank.  

Despite the absence of Israel, the court first listened to the oral presentation given by the Palestinian delegation. More than 10 countries and interested parties are expected to make statements at the three-day hearing.

Israel has voiced strong opposition to ICJ's hearing on the case, arguing the court should not rule on what it regards as a purely political issue and asserting their fundamental right to self-defense.

After filing a 150-page document outlining its official position, the Israeli government said that it would boycott the hearing.

Earlier in December, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to request the ICJ to give its advisory opinion on legal consequences of the construction of the separation wall on the Palestinian lands.

The ICJ did not set a date for ruling.

In 2002, Israel decided to build a 360 km long security fence along its borders with the West Bank. The first phase of the project was completed several months ago.

Israel said the barrier is needed to keep bombers and other attackers away from Israeli towns and cities. But Palestinians argued that the barrier disrupts the living of Palestinians and prevents the creation of an independent Palestinian state on the territory.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945, its main functions are to decide cases submitted to it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by the General Assembly in accordance with the United Nations Charter. It also deals with crimes against international law.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2004)