The ICJ rendered its advisory opinion in response to a United Nations (UN) General Assembly request on Israel’s obligations, to facilitate aid to Palestinians. This after Israel banned operations by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
The 11 judges decided that that Israel as the occupying power was required to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law by ensuring that the population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory had the essential supplies of daily life. The Court said Israel had to agree to facilitate by all means at its disposal relief schemes on behalf of the OPT population so long as that population was inadequately supplied as has been the case in Gaza. This included relief provided by the UN and its entities including UNRWA and other international organisations and third states. The Court found that Israel had an obligation not to impede such relief and that Israel was obliged to ensure full respect for the privileges and immunities of the UN, its agencies and officials.
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