The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday ordered Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The court said Palestinians must receive basic supplies needed for survival. The ruling comes amid a fragile ceasefire and growing efforts by aid agencies to expand relief.
Although the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion is not legally binding, it carries “great legal weight and moral authority.” ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa said, “Israel is under an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities.”
This includes UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Israel had banned UNRWA, accusing some staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The ICJ said Israel had not proved those allegations.
Israel did not participate in the hearings. An official called the case “an abuse of international law” and said, “Israel cooperates with other UN agencies, but will not cooperate with UNRWA.” Iwasawa rejected this, stating the court “rejects the argument that the request abuses and weaponises the international judicial process.”
Aid Situation
Before the ruling, Abeer Etefa, WFP Middle East spokeswoman, said 530 WFP trucks had entered Gaza since the ceasefire. They delivered over 6,700 tonnes of food, enough for nearly half a million people for two weeks. Aid now enters Gaza at about 750 tonnes per day, below the WFP target of 2,000 tonnes daily.
The ICJ ruled that Israel, as an occupying power, must ensure “basic needs of the local population, including supplies essential for their survival.” The court added Israel must not block aid. It also reminded that starvation cannot be used as a method of warfare.
Legal Background
The UN asked the ICJ to clarify Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power. This included facilitating urgent aid. During April hearings, countries and organisations debated UNRWA’s role. A US official raised “serious concerns” about UNRWA’s impartiality and said Hamas used its facilities.
Josh Simmons of the US argued Israel “has no obligation to allow UNRWA specifically to provide aid” and said other channels could deliver assistance. The ICJ noted UNRWA “cannot be replaced on short notice without a proper transition plan.” Ammar Hijazi, representing Palestine, accused Israel of blocking aid as a “weapon of war,” causing starvation.
Other Cases
This ruling is separate from other ICJ cases against Israel. In July 2024, the ICJ ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and called for it to end. The court is also reviewing a case by South Africa, accusing Israel of violating the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, whom Israel claims was killed in an airstrike.