THE HAGUE, Netherlands , 23 October (H.S.): The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a significant advisory opinion on Wednesday, ruling that Israel must permit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.

The decision from the top UN court is a direct response to Israeli laws passed to effectively ban the agency, the primary aid provider in the territory, from operating there.In a session at The Hague, ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa stated that Israel is under the obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities, including UNRWA.

Israel has prevented UNRWA from bringing supplies into Gaza since March, though the agency continues its work on the ground with existing resources. UNRWA reports that it has 6,000 trucks loaded with life-saving supplies waiting to enter the besieged territory.

The ruling was widely welcomed by UN officials. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini hailed the unambiguous ruling, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described it as a decisive and important decision.

Conversely, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the opinion, reiterating its stance that it will not cooperate with an organisation that is infested with terror activities. The court, however, noted that Israel had not substantiated these allegations. Palestinian representatives applauded the decision, with Ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi calling it clear, unequivocal and conclusive, leaving Israel with no pretext to continue the ban.

The ICJ’s advisory opinions, while described as non-binding, carry significant legal weight and moral authority. This ruling is separate from the ongoing case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel vehemently denies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar