ISTANBUL<\/p>\n
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that Israel is obliged under the Geneva Convention to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by third states and impartial humanitarian groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), to ensure that sufficient aid reaches the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n
In its detailed opinion, the world court underscored that Israel, as the occupying power, carries an unconditional duty to ensure the local population\u2019s basic needs are met.<\/p>\n
It found that the population of Gaza has been “inadequately” supplied within the meaning of Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and that Israel must therefore permit and assist humanitarian relief operations.<\/p>\n
The court said that following the events of Oct. 7, 2023, Israel severely restricted the entry of aid and even blocked the delivery of humanitarian and medical supplies starting this March 2, allowing only limited amounts to resume as of May 19.<\/p>\n
Rejecting Israel\u2019s claims that UNRWA staff were affiliated with armed groups, the court stated that \u201cIsrael has not substantiated its allegations that a significant part of UNRWA employees are members of Hamas\u201d or what it called \u201cother terrorist organizations.\u201d<\/p>\n
It also found no evidence of discrimination in the UNRWA\u2019s distribution of aid based on nationality, race, religion, or political opinion.<\/p>\n
“The occupying power may never invoke reasons of security to justify the general suspension of all humanitarian activities in occupied territory,” the court said, reiterating that Israel\u2019s obligation to facilitate aid is \u201cunconditional.\u201d<\/p>\n
It reaffirmed that the law of occupation applies alongside international humanitarian law governing hostilities, and that Israel must comply with both sets of obligations.<\/p>\n
While noting that its opinion focuses on identifying Israel\u2019s legal obligations rather than determining the consequences of any violations, the court stressed that Israel remains bound under international law to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of Palestinians in the occupied territories.<\/p>\n
“Israel, as an occupying power, is not entitled to sovereignty over or to exercise sovereignty powers in any part of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem,\u201d the court said.<\/p>\n
It also reiterated Israel\u2019s obligation not to use starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare.<\/p>\n