Overview

• The U.S. told the International Court of Justice that Israel is not legally obligated to allow UNRWA to operate in Gaza, citing security concerns over alleged Hamas ties.
• Israel banned UNRWA in January 2024, alleging some of its staff were involved in the October 2023 Hamas attacks, though evidence remains contested.
• Russia countered at the ICJ, emphasizing UNRWA's critical role in aiding Palestinians and warning of a looming famine in Gaza under Israel's total blockade since March 2.
• UNRWA has faced scrutiny, firing nine staff members after an internal investigation linked them to the Hamas assault, though broader accusations remain unverified.
• The ICJ hearings follow a UNGA request for an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations to facilitate aid, as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens with aid agencies on the brink of collapse.