Overview

• Israel boycotted the ICJ hearings in The Hague, which aim to assess its legal duties regarding humanitarian aid and the UNRWA ban.
• Since March 2, Israel has blocked all aid to Gaza's 2.3 million residents, citing Hamas hostage negotiations, leading to severe starvation and malnutrition.
• UN legal counsel argued that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated to permit and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery under international law.
• Palestinian representatives accused Israel of weaponizing starvation and blocking aid to exert political pressure, violating international humanitarian principles.
• The ICJ's forthcoming advisory opinion, while nonbinding, could shape international norms on humanitarian access and increase diplomatic pressure on Israel.