ICJ Says Israel Must Allow Aid; Israel Rejects Ruling

The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion saying Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure Gaza’s civilians have access to essentials — food, water, shelter, fuel and medical care — and must cooperate with the United Nations and UNRWA to allow rapid, unimpeded humanitarian deliveries. The court said Israel had not substantiated claims that UNRWA was widely infiltrated by Hamas, warned that UNRWA could not be quickly replaced, and reiterated obligations to prohibit forcible deportations and the use of starvation as a method of warfare. Though non‑binding, the opinion carries heavy diplomatic weight and is likely to increase pressure for compliance. Israel rejected the ruling as political, has severed ties with UNRWA, and is exploring alternatives such as private contractors. U.N. and UNRWA officials welcomed the decision and urged Israeli cooperation as aid flows have increased somewhat but remain far short of relieving catastrophic shortages affecting hundreds of thousands of Gazans.