The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that Israel must permit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. This decision follows a request from the UN General Assembly seeking the ICJ’s opinion on Israel’s obligations after barring the UN agency from assisting Palestinians in Gaza.
ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa stated that Israel is obligated to support relief efforts by the United Nations, including UNRWA. Despite Israel’s absence from the court hearings in April and its denial of breaching international law, it submitted a detailed 38-page document for review.
Advisory opinions from the ICJ hold significant legal weight and could impact UN operations globally. Israel has strongly opposed the ICJ’s findings, emphasizing its compliance with international law.
In response to the court’s decision, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry rejected the ruling, asserting its commitment to upholding international obligations. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized the advisory opinion, blaming UN bodies for alleged bias and support of terrorist groups like Hamas.
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, brokered by the US and effective since October 10, faced challenges as Israeli forces conducted strikes following the killing of two soldiers by Hamas militants. Under the ceasefire terms, hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks are permitted daily entry into Gaza.
Hamas confirmed Israel’s aid deliveries compliance as per the ceasefire. The UN announced plans to increase aid shipments to Gaza, highlighting the critical situation in the region. During the ICJ hearings, Palestinian Ambassador Ammar Hijazi accused Israel of human rights violations and obstructing humanitarian aid efforts.
Israel’s ban on UNRWA, enforced in January, received criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies, alleging Hamas infiltration within the agency. Canada temporarily halted funding for UNRWA based on these claims but resumed after receiving a UN investigation report.
The ICJ’s advisory opinions, though non-binding, carry weight in disputes involving UN personnel. Experts view these opinions as essential for reinforcing the UN’s mandate. Israel has contested previous ICJ opinions on its policies, including the West Bank barrier and settlements.
Separately, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of using starvation as a warfare method. The ongoing legal actions against Israel, including accusations of genocide by South Africa, reflect the complex dynamics in the region.
The conflict in Gaza, initially sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides. Discrepancies in casualty figures between Israel and Gaza’s Health Ministry underscore the challenges in assessing the true impact of the conflict.
