International Court of Justice Raps Israel Over Gaza Aid Restrictions, Says Occupation Obligations Breached.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a stinging verdict to Israel over its restrictions on aid entering the Gaza Strip, stating that the country's actions have breached international obligations. The advisory opinion, which was sought by the UN General Assembly in response to Israel's decision to cut ties with the UN Palestinian relief agency Unrwa, found that Israel had not produced sufficient evidence to justify ending cooperation with the agency.
The ICJ ruled that Israel had a duty not to impede the supply of aid by UN organizations, including Unrwa, and that its restrictions on entering Gaza have created conditions of life that would force the population to leave. The court also found that Israel's actions as an occupying power have resulted in widespread human suffering, with more than 2,100 Palestinians killed near distribution points for aid.
The ICJ president described the humanitarian situation inside Gaza as "catastrophic" and stated that massive casualties had occurred. The court also ruled that Israel has a duty to respect the immunities and privileges granted to the UN and its personnel operating in occupied territories, and that it must allow access to humanitarian aid organizations.
Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the ICJ findings, stating that the country "fully upholds its obligations under international law." However, Norway's deputy foreign minister described the ruling as a "clear victory for humanitarian law" and said that Israel should comply with the court's decision.
The UN General Assembly is set to consider a resolution based on the ICJ's damning findings, which are likely to lead to increased calls for Israel's suspension from the UN. The World Health Organization has also expressed concern over the restricted aid levels reaching Gaza, describing the situation as "catastrophic and beyond words."
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a stinging verdict to Israel over its restrictions on aid entering the Gaza Strip, stating that the country's actions have breached international obligations. The advisory opinion, which was sought by the UN General Assembly in response to Israel's decision to cut ties with the UN Palestinian relief agency Unrwa, found that Israel had not produced sufficient evidence to justify ending cooperation with the agency.
The ICJ ruled that Israel had a duty not to impede the supply of aid by UN organizations, including Unrwa, and that its restrictions on entering Gaza have created conditions of life that would force the population to leave. The court also found that Israel's actions as an occupying power have resulted in widespread human suffering, with more than 2,100 Palestinians killed near distribution points for aid.
The ICJ president described the humanitarian situation inside Gaza as "catastrophic" and stated that massive casualties had occurred. The court also ruled that Israel has a duty to respect the immunities and privileges granted to the UN and its personnel operating in occupied territories, and that it must allow access to humanitarian aid organizations.
Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the ICJ findings, stating that the country "fully upholds its obligations under international law." However, Norway's deputy foreign minister described the ruling as a "clear victory for humanitarian law" and said that Israel should comply with the court's decision.
The UN General Assembly is set to consider a resolution based on the ICJ's damning findings, which are likely to lead to increased calls for Israel's suspension from the UN. The World Health Organization has also expressed concern over the restricted aid levels reaching Gaza, describing the situation as "catastrophic and beyond words."