In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly has requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to evaluate Israel’s aid responsibilities to Palestinians.
The resolution, passed with overwhelming support, comes amid claims that Israel restricts essential supplies to Gaza, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Israel tightly controls aid access to the Hamas-ruled region, citing logistical challenges faced by relief organizations in handling large volumes of aid.
Recently, Israel enacted laws barring UNRWA, the UN’s Palestinian aid agency, from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem. This raises fears of further restrictions on other international aid groups.
Norway, along with co-sponsors Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, spearheaded the resolution that garnered 137 votes in favor, 12 against, and 22 abstentions.
The ICJ will assess Israel’s obligations to facilitate the unrestricted delivery of life-saving supplies to Palestinian civilians.
Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik emphasized the urgency, stating that international efforts have been obstructed by Israel’s lack of cooperation with aid organizations.
He clarified the resolution was not anti-Israel but aimed at ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles critical to saving lives.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the resolution, accusing the ICJ of being “weaponized” against Israel. He labeled the measure as perpetuating biased attacks.
UNRWA, a cornerstone of Palestinian refugee support for decades, faces growing criticism from Israeli officials, intensifying since Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
Israel alleges UNRWA employees were complicit in the violence, further straining relations and igniting debates over aid provision.
This ICJ opinion, though advisory, carries significant weight, potentially amplifying global pressure on Israel to address the crisis.