The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, has commenced hearings into a United Nations request for an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to allow humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel has boycotted the hearing, labeling it a "shameful proceeding" aimed at delegitimizing the country.
The hearings focus on Israel's decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which provides essential services to nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. UNRWA has been serving Palestinians since 1949.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused UNRWA of being "infested with Hamas terrorists" and claimed that Israel had submitted its written position but would not participate in the hearing. UNRWA has repeatedly denied these accusations.
The UN's legal counsel, Elinor Hammarskjöld, emphasized Israel's obligation as an occupying force to allow and facilitate humanitarian aid for Gazans. Ammar Hijazi, the Palestinian representative, argued that the court has jurisdiction in this matter, citing previous ICJ cases involving Israel.
In January 2024, the ICJ ruled that Israel must prevent genocide in Gaza. In June, it issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza is illegal.
Israel's parliament passed a law banning UNRWA from operating within Israel, revoking the 1967 treaty that allowed the agency to carry out its mission. UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the move as a violation of international law and part of an ongoing campaign to discredit the agency.
The ICJ's advisory opinion will be issued at a later stage, carrying significant weight in interpreting and shaping international law, despite having no binding force. The hearings will continue throughout the week, with 40 countries, including the United States, participating in the proceedings.
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