The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that Israel must permit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to offer humanitarian aid in Gaza. The UN General Assembly had requested the court’s opinion regarding Israel’s legal responsibilities after the nation prevented the UN agency, a primary aid provider in Gaza, from operating there.
According to the ICJ President, Yuji Iwasawa, Israel is obligated to support and facilitate relief efforts by the United Nations, including UNRWA. Israel, however, contested any breach of international law, criticizing the court’s bias and opting out of the April hearings. Despite its absence, Israel submitted a detailed 38-page document for the court’s review.
While advisory opinions like this one hold significant legal weight, experts believe this case could have broader implications for the UN and its global missions. Dismissing the ICJ’s findings, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the ruling on social media, asserting its commitment to upholding international law.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, labeled the advisory opinion as “shameful,” blaming UN organs for associating with terrorists rather than cooperating with Israel. The fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. on October 10 was tested recently after Israeli forces retaliated against alleged Hamas attacks, threatening the truce.
Under the ceasefire terms, 600 humanitarian aid trucks are permitted to enter Gaza daily. Hamas confirmed Israel’s compliance with aid deliveries, while the UN announced plans to escalate aid shipments to the region. The ban on UNRWA imposed by Israel in January has stirred controversy, with Prime Minister Netanyahu and allies accusing the agency of Hamas ties, a claim UNRWA denies.
In response to Netanyahu’s allegations, Canada temporarily halted funding for UNRWA in 2024 but resumed support after receiving a UN investigation report. The aid shortage caused by Israel’s cessation of shipments in March led to food scarcity in Gaza, prompting international concern. Israel’s decision to redirect aid distribution to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation faced criticism, with conditions worsening and a famine declared in parts of Gaza in August.
While advisory opinions from the ICJ are non-binding, the treaty governing the protection of UN personnel stipulates that disputes should be resolved through ICJ opinions. The UN General Assembly’s request for guidance underscores the importance of upholding obligations to ensure essential supplies for the Palestinian population.
The ICJ has previously issued advisory opinions critical of Israeli policies, including rulings on the West Bank barrier and Israel’s presence in occupied territories. These opinions have fueled calls for a Palestinian state. Despite Israel’s rejection of these decisions, they remain significant in shaping international perceptions of the conflict.
Separately, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a former defense minister for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel denies these charges and accuses South Africa of politically supporting Hamas. The conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas attacks on Israel, has resulted in substantial casualties, with conflicting figures reported by Israeli and Palestinian authorities.