ICJ Set to Rule on Israel's Obligations to Palestinian Aid

Thu Oct 23 2025 04:36:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is preparing to issue an advisory opinion regarding Israel's legal responsibilities toward UN agencies and humanitarian aid in the occupied territories amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to provide an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations concerning UN agencies and humanitarian aid in the Palestinian territories. This comes after Israel imposed restrictions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) amid allegations of Hamas infiltration. The ICJ will address whether these actions breach international law, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies due to blocked aid and deteriorating living conditions.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is to deliver an advisory opinion on Israel's legal obligations towards UN agencies and other international organisations operating in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The UN's top court received a request from the General Assembly late last year after Israel's parliament passed laws banning any activity by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Israeli territory and contact with Israeli officials.

Israel accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas. The agency denied the claim, insisting it was impartial.

The ICJ was asked to also cover in its opinion Israel's duty to allow the unhindered delivery of essential supplies to Palestinians.

Israel tightened its blockade on Gaza after the start of its war with Hamas two years ago and has since restricted - and at times completely stopped - the entry of food and other aid for the 2.1 million population.

Before this month's ceasefire deal, UN-backed global experts had estimated that more than 640,000 people were facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity and that there was an entirely man-made famine in Gaza City. Israel rejected the findings, insisting it was allowing in sufficient food. It also blamed Hamas for stealing aid.

The ICJ's panel of international judges was asked to clarify two questions in the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in December: whether Israel's ban on UNRWA breaches UN conventions guaranteeing the independence of UN agencies and whether Israel's restrictions on aid crossings into Gaza violate international humanitarian law.

While the opinion will be a non-binding legal clarification, it carries significant moral and diplomatic weight. As part of the hearings, the UN's Under-Secretary General for Legal Affairs highlighted Israel's obligations as an occupying power to facilitate UN operations aimed at benefiting local populations.

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, representing the Palestinian government, criticized Israel’s actions, calling them violations of Palestinian rights and an obstruction of international efforts. Conversely, Israel dismisses the proceedings as a politically motivated exploitation of international law.

This legal inquiry is significant, potentially setting a precedent for the enforcement of international norms when a UN member state challenges the legitimacy of UN agencies operating in its jurisdiction.