The principal judicial organ of the United Nations will issue an opinion today on Israel’s obligations toward organisations providing aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as humanitarian groups work to scale up deliveries following the ceasefire. The United Nations asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify Israel’s duties as an occupying power toward the UN and other organisations, including securing and facilitating the unhindered supply of essential goods needed for Palestinian survival. ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, but the court notes they carry significant legal weight and moral authority.
Background to the hearings
In April, ICJ judges heard a week of testimony from dozens of countries and organisations. Many submissions focused on the status of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Israel did not participate. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the proceedings part of a systematic campaign to persecute and delegitimise Israel. Israeli authorities have barred UNRWA from operating in Israel, alleging that some staff took part in Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack. A series of reviews identified neutrality problems within UNRWA, yet a 2024 report said Israel had not presented evidence to support claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees belong to terrorist organisations.
During the ICJ hearings, U.S. official Josh Simons voiced serious concerns about UNRWA’s impartiality and alleged that Hamas uses its facilities. He also argued that Israel has no obligation to permit UNRWA specifically to deliver aid. By contrast, Palestinian official Ammar Hijazi told the court that Israel is obstructing aid into Gaza, treating it as a weapon of war and causing famine in the enclave.
Aid operations and human toll
UNRWA Director-General Philippe Lazzarini described the agency as a lifeline for nearly six million Palestinian refugees. The agency still employs about 12,000 staff in Gaza and plans to play a major role in reconstruction after the fragile truce reached earlier this month. UNRWA says more than 370 of its employees have been killed since the war began.
On Tuesday, World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson Abeer Etefa said 530 WFP trucks have entered Gaza since the ceasefire took effect, carrying more than 6,700 tonnes of food, enough to feed almost half a million people for two weeks.
Related legal tracks
Israel faces multiple legal proceedings over its Gaza operations. In July 2024, the ICJ issued a separate opinion assessing that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful and should end as soon as possible. The court is also hearing South Africa’s case alleging violations of the UN Genocide Convention.
A separate tribunal, the International Criminal Court (ICC), has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who was later killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Source: AMNA