The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a strong statement against Israel, accusing it of violating its international obligations regarding the restriction of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. According to the ruling, Israel is legally obliged to allow the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid from UN organizations to the Palestinian population, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
In its opinion, the Court emphasizes that the prohibition of basic supplies, food, medicine and other vital assistance to Palestinian civilians constitutes a violation of the principles of international law and of Israel's obligations as an occupying power.
"The security motive cannot be used to justify the general suspension of all humanitarian activities in the occupied territory," said Judge Iwasawa Yuji, noting that the civilian population in Gaza "has not been adequately supplied and is facing extremely difficult survival conditions."
The ICJ stressed that Israel must cooperate with all UN humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), as well as international organizations operating in the Palestinian territories.
On the other hand, the Israeli authorities have stated that they are ready to cooperate with UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations, although the Israeli parliament had previously passed laws prohibiting the agency's activities in Israeli territory and its contact with government officials. The UN General Assembly had requested in December last year that the International Court of Justice give an opinion on Israel's legal obligations towards UN agencies and international organizations operating in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The latest ICJ ruling, although not legally binding, carries great moral, diplomatic and political weight, increasing international pressure on Israel to respect humanitarian law and provide essential assistance to Palestinian civilians.
