World Court: Israel must facilitate UN aid schemes in Gaza, including UNRWA’s

The International Court of Justice in an advisory opinion asserts that Israel is legally obligated to allow the highly controversial UNRWA agency to provide humanitarian aid and services in Gaza. The ruling, which is non-binding, comes in response to Israeli legislation last year severely restricting the organization’s operations, and request from UN member states to the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the new law.

“The court considers that Israel is under an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities, including UNRWA,” says ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa.

He says Israel must meet the “basic needs” of the population of Gaza, including providing everything they need to survive. “As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival,” says Iwasawa.