"International Justice" It requires Israel to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza and provide the basic needs of the Palestinians

The International Court of Justice ruled today, Wednesday, to oblige Israel to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, stressing the necessity of providing the basic needs necessary for the survival of the Palestinians, in a step that comes after reaching a ceasefire agreement and international efforts to intensify humanitarian support.

In an expanded advisory opinion, the court explained that this obligation falls on Israel as a “power.” Occupation”, noting that Tel Aviv must approve and facilitate relief programs provided by the United Nations and its agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The president of the court, Yuji Iwasawa, said that Israel is obligated to allow the passage of humanitarian aid and facilitate it through United Nations agencies, adding that the court rejects Israel’s claims, which described the request for opinion The advisory opinion is a misuse of international law.

The court explained that Israel failed to provide evidence to prove its accusations that some UNRWA employees participated in the October 7, 2023 attack launched by Hamas that sparked the war in Gaza, noting that the UN agency cannot be replaced quickly without an appropriate transition plan.

Although the court’s advisory opinion is not legally binding, it carries, according to the court, “Great legal and moral weight.”

The court said – in its statement – that Israel “as an occupying power, is obligated to ensure that the basic needs of the local population are met, including the provision of supplies necessary for their survival.” It is also “obligated not to obstruct the arrival of these supplies.” It also indicated that international law prohibits the use of starvation as a method of war.

The United Nations had asked the court to provide legal clarification about Israel’s obligations towards international bodies, including ensuring the facilitation of the delivery of urgent and vital supplies to the Palestinians without obstacles.

During the court sessions held last April, the panel of judges heard testimony from dozens of countries and organizations, Most of it focused on the situation of UNRWA.

This decision comes separately from other cases being considered by the court against Israel, including a case related to South Africa’s accusations that Tel Aviv violated the 1948 United Nations Convention against Genocide due to its military campaign in Gaza.

In July 2024, the same court had issued another advisory opinion in which it considered the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories to be unlawful. It is legal and should end as soon as possible.  

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