ALBAWABA- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a unanimous advisory opinion on Thursday, declaring that Israel, as an occupying power, is legally obligated to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and to allow the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to operate without obstruction.
The court ruled that Israel must meet the “basic needs” of Palestinians and refrain from any actions that worsen the humanitarian crisis, which UN agencies warn has reached catastrophic levels.
The decision, requested by the UN General Assembly, comes as aid access to Gaza remains severely restricted, with famine and mass displacement affecting millions.
The ICJ’s opinion builds on earlier rulings, most notably the 2024 advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation illegal and the 2023 genocide case brought by South Africa, further intensifying judicial pressure on Israel over its conduct in Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the ruling as a “politically motivated attempt to impose measures against Israel,” reiterating accusations that UNRWA is biased and that the ICJ ignored ongoing security threats from Hamas.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon called the opinion “shameful,” insisting Israel complies with international law.
The court’s findings drew international praise, especially from European states.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide urged the UN General Assembly to act on the decision, while France renewed calls for unhindered humanitarian access and accountability for violations. Aid organizations have warned that without immediate action, Gaza faces an “imminent humanitarian collapse.”
