The hague: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared that Israel must fulfill its duties as the ‘occupying power’ by facilitating the unimpeded flow of aid and by respecting the rights of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies operating within the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
According to Emirates News Agency, the advisory opinion, which was requested by the General Assembly, emphasized that Israel is obligated to ensure that residents of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) have access to essential daily supplies such as food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies, and services. The court further urged Israel to ‘respect and protect’ all aid workers, medical personnel, and facilities operating in the region.
In a decision reached by ten votes to one, the ICJ judges also determined that Israel is compelled to cooperate sincerely with the United Nations, providing all necessary support for actions undertaken in accordance with the UN Charter. This includes collaboration with the Palestine refugee relief agency, UNRWA.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres described the ICJ’s opinion as ‘very important’, noting its significance at a time when the UN is striving to increase aid delivery into Gaza following a ceasefire. The ICJ’s ruling reaffirms Israel’s obligation under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect and respect civilians in the OPT, ensuring the safety of aid workers and medical facilities, and preventing the forced transfer or deprivation of food to civilians.