Israel must cooperate with UN to deliver aid to Gaza, Says ICJ

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has said that Israel must allow the United Nations and other aid agencies to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The court ruled that helping the people of Gaza is Israel’s responsibility under international law.

The ICJ confirmed its authority to give an advisory opinion on the matter and stated that Israel should cooperate with UNRWA and other UN bodies to ensure the delivery of aid.

The judges said Israel failed to prove its claim that a large number of UNRWA employees are members of Hamas. Earlier this year, in April, UN lawyers and Palestinian representatives accused Israel at the court of violating international law.

At the time, Israel argued that Hamas fighters were stealing aid supplies, but it could not provide evidence to support the claim. The court also noted that people in Gaza are receiving insufficient food and warned that starvation is being used as a weapon of war.

However, ICJ Vice President Judge Julia Sebutinde disagreed with the advisory opinion, saying it was not “balanced or impartial,” as Israel’s arguments were not fully considered.

In a previous advisory opinion in 2024, the ICJ had ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories was illegal and should end immediately.

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