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World court urges Israel to support aid access in Gaza
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has called on Israel to cooperate with United Nations relief efforts in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing its obligation to facilitate humanitarian aid in territories widely recognized as occupied Palestinian territory. The advisory opinion, issued on Wednesday in The Hague, is nonbinding but carries significant international weight.
The ruling, requested by the U.N. General Assembly, highlights Israel’s responsibility to ensure the delivery of essential supplies, including food and shelter, to residents in Gaza and the West Bank. It also condemned attempts to hinder the operations of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to Palestinian refugees.
Israeli officials have criticized UNRWA, accusing it of being infiltrated by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. Despite this, the ICJ urged Israel to allow the agency and other international bodies to operate freely, stating that as an occupying power, it must “agree to and facilitate” humanitarian efforts.
This ruling comes amid a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following a devastating conflict in Gaza. While Israel has begun permitting aid into the region, relief agencies argue that much more is required to address the dire humanitarian crisis.
Yuji Iwasawa, president of the ICJ, reiterated the court’s position, declaring that Israel bears the responsibility to ensure the basic needs of those living under its occupation. The advisory opinion adds to growing international pressure on Israel to comply with humanitarian law and to cooperate with global aid initiatives.
