"The panel of 11 judges added Israel has to support relief efforts provided by the United Nations in the Gaza Strip, and UN entities, including UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. "As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival," presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa said. He added that basic needs include food, water, shelter, fuel and medical services."
"Advisory opinions of the ICJ, also known as the World Court, carry legal and political weight, but they are not binding and the court has no enforcement power. The opinion, which was requested by the UN General Assembly in December, clarified the protections states must provide for UN staff and is expected to have effects beyond the Gaza conflict. In a post on X, Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the court's findings and added "Israel fully upholds its obligations under international law"."
"Israel banned UNRWA from operating in Gaza last year, claiming that some of its employees were members of militant group Hamas, or other affiliated associations. The ministry said that the United Nations had yet to fully probe the extent of Hamas involvement in UNRWA, and said Israel would not co-operate "with an organisation that is infested with terror activities". The ICJ judges yesterday found that Israel had not substantiated its claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees are Hamas members."
The ICJ issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel, as occupying power, must support United Nations relief efforts in the Gaza Strip and ensure basic needs such as food, water, shelter, fuel and medical services. The court clarified protections for UN staff and affirmed obligations toward UN entities including UNRWA, while noting advisory opinions are non-binding. Israel publicly rejected the findings, having previously banned UNRWA in Gaza over alleged employee links to Hamas and saying the UN had not fully probed such involvement. The ICJ found Israel had not substantiated claims that many UNRWA employees were Hamas members, and legal complaints accused Israel of blocking aid earlier in the year.
Read at Irish Independent
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