The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that Israel must ensure basic needs are met for Gaza’s civilians. The court said Israel, as an occupying power, must not block essential supplies and aid to the population. Judges also emphasized Israel’s duty to support relief work by the United Nations and its agencies, especially UNRWA.
The ruling stated that Israel has not proven its claims that many UNRWA workers are tied to Hamas. Therefore, the court rejected arguments used to justify restrictions on UNRWA’s operations. The ICJ clarified that its advisory opinion, while not legally binding, holds strong legal and moral value. Israel refused to participate in the hearing, calling it an “abuse of international law.”
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Meanwhile, aid efforts in Gaza continue under pressure. The UN World Food Programme reported that over 6,700 tonnes of food had entered Gaza since a recent ceasefire. However, daily deliveries are still far below the required level to meet urgent humanitarian needs. WFP said only 750 tonnes are entering daily—well below the 2,000 tonnes target.
The ICJ reminded Israel of its responsibility under international law not to use starvation as a method of warfare. It stressed that humanitarian access must not be hindered and that current relief structures like UNRWA cannot be replaced without planning. The court’s decision followed testimonies from multiple countries and organizations during hearings in April.
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This case is separate from other ongoing legal actions. The ICJ previously ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes. The global legal pressure on Israel continues to grow.