ICJ says that Israel must allow UN humanitarian aid agency work in Gaza
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a statement on Wed, Oct 11, 2023, mandating that Israel must permit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a statement on Wed, Oct 11, 2023, mandating that Israel must permit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The UN General Assembly requested the ICJ's advisory opinion concerning Israel's legal obligations following the country's effective prohibition of UNRWA, a primary aid provider in Gaza, from operating in the territory.
ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa declared that Israel is obligated to facilitate relief efforts by the United Nations and its entities, including UNRWA.
Israel has refuted allegations of international law violations, citing perceived biases in the court's proceedings. Israel abstained from attending the hearings held in April but submitted a 38-page written statement for consideration. Advisory opinions from the ICJ carry substantial legal significance, with potential implications for UN missions globally.
The UN General Assembly requested the ICJ's advisory opinion concerning Israel's legal obligations following the country's effective prohibition of UNRWA, a primary aid provider in Gaza, from operating in the territory.
The proceedings occurred prior to the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement, effective from Tue, Oct 10, 2023, aimed at concluding the two-year conflict in the Palestinian enclave. Under this agreement, 600 humanitarian aid trucks are permitted daily entry.
Israel's ban on UNRWA, effective since January, has drawn criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies, who allege infiltration by Hamas within the organization, a claim denied by UNRWA. In March, Israel halted all aid shipments for three months, resulting in severe food shortages. Some aid was later allowed as Israel sought to transition aid distribution to the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, conditions deteriorated further, leading to a famine declaration by international food experts in August.
The ICJ's ruling concluded that Israel's claims against UNRWA were unsubstantiated and that GHF was not a suitable replacement. Israel asserted adequate food availability in Gaza and accused Hamas of hoarding supplies. Following the latest ceasefire, GHF has suspended its operations.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
