The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun its second day of hearings into Israel’s humanitarian obligations to Palestinians, more than 50 days into Israel’s total blockage on aid entering the Gaza Strip.
The hearing – set to run for five days – is focused on a request last year from the UN General Assembly, which asked the court to weigh in on Israel’s legal responsibilities after the country blocked UNRWA from operating on its territory.
Israel’s ban followed months of attacks on the agency from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who claimed it was deeply infiltrated by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
UNRWA, the main provider of aid to Palestinians in Gaza, rejects that claim.
The UN has asked judges to clarify Israel’s legal obligations towards the UN and its agencies, international organisations or third-party states to “ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population.”
Over the ICJ hearings, lawyers from more than 40 states will claim Israel’s ban on all cooperation with Unrwa is a breach of the UN charter.
The UN says Israel is obliged under international law to ensure enough supplies for the Palestinians living in Gaza. Israel says it is adhering to international law.
However, since the beginning of March, Israel has shut off all sources of food, fuel, medicine and other supplies for the Gaza Strip’s population of more than 2 million Palestinians.
It is the longest blockade yet of its 17-month war on Gaza, with no sign of it ending.
Speaking before the ICJ, South Africa’s representative, Zane Dangor asserted that “under the world’s watchful eye, Palestinians are being subjected to atrocity, crimes, persecution, apartheid and genocide” in Gaza.
Also, Mohamed Saud Alnasser, the representative of Saudi Arabia, delivered a sharply worded statement before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), condemning Israel’s “flagrant violations of international law” in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as Gaza.
“Less than a year ago, the court heard that Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied territory, including its settlement practices, its continued occupation and its annexation of parts of that territory are flagrant violations of international law that must be brought to an end as a matter of urgency.
“Sadly, but predictably, Israel chose to ignore the court’s ruling, showing it considered itself above the law.”
Mohamed Saud Alnasser
Alnasser went on to criticise Israel’s obstruction of international humanitarian efforts in the occupied territory.
“The obligations of Israel to allow the UN, other international organisations and third states to carry out activity in the occupied Palestinian territory – including providing such assistance – could truly make a difference between life and death for many people.”
Mohamed Saud Alnasser
Referring specifically to the situation in Gaza, Alnasser said that Israel’s “hideous conduct, which piles illegality upon illegality, is well documented – its most ruthless application has been the siege conditions imposed over the Gaza Strip since October 2023.”
More Than Just The Future Of UNRWA
Anisha Patel, a member of the governing council at Law for Palestine, a human rights organisation, opined that the ICJ hearing is about more than just the future of UNRWA – it is about the “very rights and existence of the Palestinian people.”
“Whilst state representatives address the court in The Hague, Israel is inflicting in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinian people.
“Having forced the Palestinian people into a dependency on humanitarian assistance, Israel is now completely restricting this humanitarian assistance – with devastating consequences for Palestinians.”
Anisha Patel
Patel described Israel’s repeated attacks on UNRWA and the UN more broadly – including its premises, personnel, and mandate – as part of efforts “to weaponise humanitarian aid in persistent violation of international law.”
She iterated that “these actions are in violation of Israel’s obligations as a member of the UN – and its obligations under the UN Charter.”
READ ALSO: CJ’s Suspension: MFC Champions Adherence to Constitutional Process
