Palestinians presented an impassioned case to the world court Monday against the Israeli separation barrier in the West Bank, while Israel appealed to world opinion to ignore the proceedings it called inherently unfair. The International Court of Justice began three days of oral hearings on the legality of the barrier slicing through Palestinian territory, bringing Israel’s occupation policies before an international tribunal for the first time. But the United States and Europe joined Israel in staying away. The opening session came a day after a Palestinian bomber killed eight Israelis and wounded dozens on a Jerusalem bus. The Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, a group with ties to Yasser Arafat’s Fatah movement, claimed responsibility. Israel said the attack showed the need for the barrier, designed to impede terrorism. But the Palestinians argued the structure only fuels the resentment that inspires suicide bombers. Full Story