In its latest advisory opinion, issued at the request of the UN General Assembly, the ICJ examined Israel’s responsibilities regarding humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and its obligations to cooperate with UNRWA.
In the ruling, read out by ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa, the Court underscored that Israel, as the occupying force, is obliged to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and must not use famine or starvation as a weapon of war. The Court stated that there is no evidence indicating any breach of neutrality by UNRWA, and dismissed Israel’s claim that Hamas has infiltrated the agency as baseless.
The Court further declared that Israel has no authority to dictate terms to UN humanitarian institutions, as the occupied territories do not fall under its lawful sovereignty. According to the Court, UNRWA constitutes the backbone of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, and no other body can replace it.
Citing international conventions, the ICJ also reminded Israel of its responsibility to ensure the safety of aid workers and to maintain access for the people of Gaza to water, food, and medicine. It stressed the need for Israel to respect the independence of the United Nations. Beyond its humanitarian implications, the Court’s opinion carries broad legal significance and may serve as a historic document establishing Israel’s accountability as an occupying power.
International circles have hailed the ruling as an important step in upholding the Palestinians’ right to life and self-determination, while Israeli officials denounced it as “political and biased.” The global community now awaits concrete action from the United Nations and its member states to guarantee the enforcement of the Court’s decision.
NOURNEWS