ICJ Rules Israel Must Ensure Gaza’s Basic Needs and Support UN Relief Efforts

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ top legal body, has issued an advisory opinion declaring that Israel is obligated to ensure the basic humanitarian needs of Gaza’s civilian population. The ruling emphasized that as an occupying power, Israel must provide essential supplies including food, water, shelter, fuel, and medical services. The court also ruled that Israel must facilitate and support humanitarian operations led by UN agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Presiding Judge Yuji Iwasawa stated that Israel must act in accordance with international law to protect civilians. While ICJ opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant political and moral influence. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision and called on Israel to comply, noting the ruling could be pivotal in improving Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the ICJ’s findings, asserting it “fully upholds its obligations under international law.” Israel has banned UNRWA operations in Gaza since 2023, claiming some employees were affiliated with Hamas. However, the ICJ found no substantial evidence to support claims that a significant number of UNRWA staff are Hamas members.

Lawyers representing Palestine argued that Israel’s restrictions on aid, especially between March and May, violated international humanitarian law by preventing food and essential goods from reaching civilians. Although aid has since resumed, UN officials report that deliveries remain far below the agreed 600 trucks per day needed to mitigate famine conditions.

The court reaffirmed that starvation as a method of warfare is illegal, stressing Israel cannot use it as a weapon. This latest ruling follows a 2024 ICJ opinion declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and urging an immediate end to it.