The highest UN court will issue an advisory opinion on Israel’s role in humanitarian access in the Palestinian territories and the responsibilities of States.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will announce this Wednesday a advisory opinion about Israel’s obligations regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. The statement was requested by the General Assembly of the UN in December and seeks to clarify to what extent Israel should cooperate with international agencies operating in the region.
The decision of the court, also known as the World Courtwill be closely watched for its potential impact beyond the conflict in Loop. The opinion is expected to define the responsibilities of States regarding the personnel protection of the UN around the world.
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Although ICJ advisory opinions are not binding, they have a significant legal and political weightdespite the fact that the court lacks the power of execution.
Accusations and context of the case
In April, United Nations lawyers and Palestinian representatives accused Israel before the ICJ of violate international law by preventing aid from entering Gaza between March and May. Since then, the entry of some humanitarian shipmentsbut UN officials warn that assistance remains insufficient to address the crisis.
The plan of 20 point ceasefiremediated by the United States at the beginning of October, contemplates the daily entry of 600 trucks with humanitarian aid. Israel, however, maintains that Hamas steals part of the supplies and that the restrictions seek to pressure the armed group, an accusation that the Palestinian movement denies.
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Reactions and background
Although Israel did not participate in the hearings, it presented its position in writing. In April, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the court sessions “circus” and stated that the court “it was being politicized.”
The request for the advisory opinion arose after a Israeli law of 2023 that banned the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from operating, arguing that some of its employees had participated in the attacks of October 7, 2023. The UN acknowledged in August 2024 that nine workers were fired for their alleged involvement, and another Hamas member, identified as a UNRWA employee, was killed in Gaza as confirmed by Israel.
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In a previous opinion from 2024, the ICJ had determined that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories was illegal and must cease immediately, recalling that Israel maintains human rights obligations as an occupying power. The court will read its ruling at 3:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. GMT) in The Hague.
Source: Ambito
