Israel utilizes aid restriction as a tool for waging war, Palestinian official claims.
Title: International Court Slams Israel for Blocking Aid to Palestinians in Gaza, Court Hears Testimony
From the Dutch city of The Hague, a Palestinian official addressed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, alleging Israel's brutal tactics against the Palestinians in Gaza, branding humanitarian aid as a deadly weapon. The ICJ commenced a week of sessions, and despite Israel's absence, the tempest continues to rage.
Israel swiftly retorted, condemning the hearings as a nefarious scheme to demonize the nation, urging that the real culprit is the UN and UNRWA itself. Israel enacted a law barring UNRWA from functioning on its soil, accusing certain employees of complicitly aiding the Hamas attack in October 2023 that sparked the turmoil. However, investigations remain inconclusive about Israel's explosive allegations.
The UN General Assembly, spearheaded by Norway, desperately sought clarification on Israel's obligations to the UN, agencies, international organizations, or third-party states to ensure lifesaving supplies could reach the suffering Palestinian civilians. The resolution was overwhelmingly supported. The court has been asked to clarify Israel's duties in guaranteeing and facilitating the unhindered delivery of critical supplies vital to the Palestinian population's survival.
In stark contrast to the abundant life citizens enjoy in Israel, Gaza finds itself embroiled in a humanitarian disaster. The Palestinians plead that Israeli restrictions along the border and at sea have brought life to a standstill. Food supplies dwindle, and water sources are dangerously contaminated, while UN-supported bakeries remain closed and children suffer malnutrition.
The UN estimates that half a million Palestinians became displaced since the ceasefire ended in mid-2025, leading to the resurgence of Israeli air strikes and renewed ground offensives, further exacerbating the dire circumstances. The UN now dreads that the occupied Palestinian territory is facing its worst humanitarian crisis since the war that followed the Hamas attack in October 2023.
Israel claims its actions aim to coerce Hamas into releasing captives, while hostages' families express their willingness to sacrifice loved ones. The ICJ's advisory opinions may not hold legal force, but they yield immense moral weight and respect. Previously, in July 2025, the ICJ affirmed Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories as unlawful and urged a swift end to it.
For Your Insights**
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated as the border and sea blockade strangles the region.
- Israel strictly controls the inflow of aid, causing severe food and water shortages for more than 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza.
- Palestinians accuse Israel of targeting civilians and aid workers, while Israel maintains these actions are part of its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
[1] "Gaza Crisis: UN Warns Humanitarian Disaster is Imminent," Al Jazeera, February 17, 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/17/gaza-crisis-un-warns-humanitarian-disaster-is-imminent
[2] "Israeli ban on UNRWA violates human rights, UN says," France 24, January 31, 2025. https://www.france24.com/en/20250131-israeli-ban-on-un-agency-for-palestine-refugees-unwra-violates-human-rights-un
[3] "Gaza Strip Humanitarian Situation Overview," World Health Organization, February 1, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/gaza-strip-humanitarian-situation-overview
- The ICJ is scrutinizing Israel's actions in blocking aid to Palestinians living in Gaza, following allegations of brutal tactics against them.
- As the UN General Assembly presses for clarification, Israel maintains that the UN and UNRWA are the real culprits, citing complicity with Hamas.
- The UN estimates that half a million Palestinians have been displaced since the 2025 ceasefire, leading to a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
- Reports indicate severe food and water shortages in Gaza due to Israel's control over aid inflow, causing a humanitarian disaster for over 2.4 million Palestinians.
- The UN and international organizations continue to call for Israel to fulfill its obligations in ensuring lifesaving supplies reach the Palestinian population.
