UN Requests World Court Opinion on Israel’s Humanitarian Obligations in Gaza

The resolution seeks clarity on Israel's responsibilities under international law as new restrictions on UNRWA raise concerns about aid access.

The UN General Assembly voted 137-12 to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to assess Israel's obligations to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The resolution follows Israeli legislation set to take effect in January that bans the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating in the territories.
UN officials warn that banning UNRWA will severely hinder humanitarian efforts, with Gaza already facing widespread hunger and a potential famine in the north.
Israel argues that it facilitates aid but accuses Hamas of misusing resources, while critics claim Israel systematically blocks aid access.
The ICJ's advisory opinions are nonbinding but carry significant political weight, adding pressure on Israel to comply with international humanitarian law.