While UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that Israel would abide by this important ruling, Israel dismissed the opinion as politically motivated and reiterated its ban on cooperating with UNRWA, which it has accused of harboring Hamas operatives.
The ICJ highlighted Israel’s responsibilities under international humanitarian law, including the provision of essential supplies such as food, water, and medical services, and allowing aid schemes for the occupied territories. Despite Israel’s claims of sufficient food supplies entering Gaza, UN experts warned of catastrophic food insecurity affecting over 640,000 people, describing the situation as an “entirely man-made” famine.
The ICJ’s President, Yuji Iwasawa, emphasized that Israel must comply with its obligations to cooperate with the UN and its agencies, including ensuring the inviolability of UN premises and the immunity of its officials. The opinion carries significant moral and diplomatic weight, although it is non-binding, and reflects growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
