The United Nations’ top court wrapped up a week of hearings on Friday over what legal obligations Israel holds in ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is considering an advisory opinion requested by the UN General Assembly last year, following Israel’s effective ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Gaza’s main aid provider. The case comes amid growing concerns that Gaza’s humanitarian system is nearing collapse due to Israel’s blockade of aid since March 2 and renewed bombardments starting March 18.
Israel did not participate in the hearings but submitted a 38-page written statement denying it targets civilians or aid workers and defending its military actions against Hamas.
While the court’s advisory opinions are technically nonbinding, legal experts say they carry significant weight. The outcome could also shape international law on the rights and protections of UN personnel and influence UN missions worldwide.
The court is expected to issue its opinion in the coming months.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is considering an advisory opinion requested by the UN General Assembly last year, following Israel’s effective ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Gaza’s main aid provider. The case comes amid growing concerns that Gaza’s humanitarian system is nearing collapse due to Israel’s blockade of aid since March 2 and renewed bombardments starting March 18.
Israel did not participate in the hearings but submitted a 38-page written statement denying it targets civilians or aid workers and defending its military actions against Hamas.
While the court’s advisory opinions are technically nonbinding, legal experts say they carry significant weight. The outcome could also shape international law on the rights and protections of UN personnel and influence UN missions worldwide.
The court is expected to issue its opinion in the coming months.
