Edith Hejberg
Presiding Judge Iwasawa Yuji said Israel cannot cite security concerns to justify the blanket suspension of aid operations.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest legal authority, has delivered a stinging advisory opinion stating that Israel, as an occupying power, must cooperate with UN agencies to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The opinion directly challenges Israel’s blockade of the territory earlier this year and emphasizes its legal duty to meet civilian needs.
Judge: Security can’t justify halting humanitarian aid
Presiding Judge Iwasawa Yuji said Israel cannot cite security concerns to justify the blanket suspension of aid operations.
“The occupying power may never invoke reasons of security to justify the general suspension of all humanitarian activities in occupied territory,” he stated, noting that Gaza’s population has been “inadequately supplied.”
UNRWA cleared of wrongdoing
The court dismissed Israel’s claims that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is infiltrated by Hamas.
It said the accusations lacked substantiation and that the agency remains a vital source of humanitarian support for Gaza’s population.
UNRWA’s work deemed indispensable
The ICJ declared that UNRWA continues to be “an indispensable provider of humanitarian relief” and criticized Israel’s efforts to replace its services with alternatives such as the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The court urged Israel to resume cooperation with the agency.
Israel accused of using starvation as warfare
In a particularly strong condemnation, the court reminded Israel that as an occupying power, it is prohibited from using starvation as a weapon of war.
The advisory opinion underscored Israel’s obligation to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.
Israeli officials reject the court’s findings
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon slammed the ruling as “a political document,” accusing UN bodies of becoming “breeding grounds for terrorists.”
He claimed the court’s focus should be on the UN’s failures, not Israel’s conduct.
ICJ advisory carries political weight, not legal force
While non-binding, ICJ advisory opinions are influential. The UN General Assembly requested the opinion after Israel passed legislation banning UNRWA from operating, severely limiting the agency’s ability to deliver aid.
The court’s rebuke is expected to intensify international pressure on Israel.
Ceasefire sees limited aid increase
A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas has been in place for over a week. As part of the agreement, Israel is allowing more aid into Gaza, with officials reporting a goal of 600 aid trucks per day.
However, humanitarian groups say this is still far below what’s needed.
UN welcomes court’s stance
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called the court’s opinion “unambiguous” and said the UN is ready to “immediately scale up” aid efforts.
He emphasized that with cooperation, the humanitarian response could be significantly expanded.
ICJ previously ruled Israel’s occupation illegal
This is not the first time the ICJ has weighed in on Israel. In July 2024, the court ruled that Israel’s presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem was illegal, calling for an end to settlement activity and reparations for the damage caused to Palestinians.
Gaza war triggers multiple legal cases
Several cases involving Israel are ongoing. In 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to halt military operations in Rafah, citing a disastrous humanitarian crisis.
That order is part of a broader genocide case brought by South Africa under the Genocide Convention.
UN inquiry finds evidence of genocide
An independent UN investigation in September 2025 concluded that Israel had committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
While Israel strongly rejects the findings, they have been echoed by international human rights experts and advocacy groups.
Separate ICC case also targets Israeli leaders
In a separate process, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a deceased Hamas leader.
Although Israel does not recognize the ICC, it is bound by the ICJ as a UN member.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
