ICJ says Israel must allow UNRWA to operate in Gaza - A Reminder of Duty to Protect Civilians, insha'Allah
As-salamu alaykum. The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion saying Israel, as the occupying power, must make it easier for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, including allowing UNRWA to carry out its work.
The court said Israel has an obligation to ensure the basic needs of the Palestinian civilian population in the Occupied Territories are met - to provide what people need to survive. ICJ president Yuji Iwasawa said Israel should “agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities including UNRWA.” He also noted that the military occupation during the two-year war increased Israel’s responsibilities significantly.
The court reminded Israel that international law forbids using starvation as a method of warfare. It found Israel had not proven claims that UNRWA staff were involved with Hamas, and warned that UNRWA cannot simply be replaced on short notice without a proper transition plan.
The advisory opinion is non-binding, and Israeli officials have rejected it. Their Foreign Ministry said the opinion was predictable and political. UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, welcomed the ruling and said the agency already has large stocks of food and supplies in Egypt and Jordan and the capacity to scale up the humanitarian response immediately.
Humanitarian groups are trying to expand aid into Gaza, using a fragile ceasefire agreed earlier this month as an opportunity. The UN World Food Programme reported hundreds of trucks have entered Gaza since the ceasefire, delivering thousands of tonnes of food - enough, they say, to feed many people for a short period.
Regional and international figures have described the ceasefire as a potential chance to change course and seek a path toward peace, though many warn a lot of work remains. The UN asked the ICJ to clarify whether Israel is obliged to grant access to UN agencies, foreign aid organisations and diplomatic missions into Palestinian areas.
Legal teams for the UN and Palestinian representatives accused Israel of violating international law by restricting aid into Gaza earlier this year. Israel passed a law last year banning UNRWA from operating on its soil after accusing the agency of employing people involved in the October 7 attacks; the law prompted criticism from many countries and led to a loss of financial support that has put UNRWA in a precarious position.
More than 30 countries and organisations submitted statements to the ICJ. Palestinian representatives told the court that Israel’s actions were causing starvation, killings and displacement while hindering humanitarian organisations trying to help. Israel did not appear in person at the hearings but submitted written arguments.
Whatever one’s views, the core issue remains the welfare of civilians. As Muslims, we must pray for the safety and relief of those suffering, and hope that lawful efforts to deliver aid and protect innocent lives are upheld and expanded, insha'Allah.
https://www.thenationalnews.co