United Nations and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have issued a new advisory opinion, telling Israel it must follow international human‑rights law in the Palestinian territories and work with UN agencies to help residents in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Court’s statement, released Wednesday in The Hague, was requested by the UN General Assembly. It is not binding, but it marks a win for the UN in the ongoing debate over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
In the Court’s words, Israel has “no power to use starvation of civilians as a weapon in war.” It must let people keep receiving the essentials: food, water, shelter, medicine, fuel and clothing. The Court says Israel must cooperate with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which feeds and supports thousands of Palestinians. Israel has blocked UNRWA operations, claiming its staff work with Hamas, a claim many observers reject.
Israel’s Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, slammed the Court, saying the Hague ignored “the war crimes of Hamas” and called the report “politicised.” The Israeli foreign ministry echoed Danon, calling the opinion a “politicisation of International Law.”
The U.S. State Department joined the criticism, describing the opinion as a “non‑binding ‘advisory opinion’ that unfairly demonises Israel and absolves UNRWA of its alleged ties to terrorism.” Yet Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ruling. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, urged Israel to obey its obligations and allow UN aid to move freely into Gaza.
The advisory opinion follows the U.S.‑backed deal brokered by former President Donald Trump on Oct. 8, when Israel agreed to lift some restrictions on aid trucks headed for Gaza. Relief vehicles are now arriving, carrying food, medical supplies and other essential items.
The United Nations adopted the resolution that asked the ICJ’s opinion last year with an 137‑to‑12 vote, including India’s support. Only 22 countries abstained. The Court’s president, Yuji Iwasawa, read aloud the final statement, which was unanimous on many points. Vice President Julia Sebutinde was the lone dissenting voice on a few issues.
The ICJ also has issued a separate advisory opinion that Jordan’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem remains unlawful. The latest ruling continues to highlight the international community’s pressure on Israel over its actions in occupied territories, particularly as Gaza faces a looming humanitarian crisis.
Source: ianslive
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