New Delhi, October 23: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ top legal body, on Wednesday issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s civilian population are met and to facilitate relief efforts by the United Nations and its agencies, including UNRWA.

Presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa emphasized that Israel must provide essential supplies such as food, water, shelter, fuel, and medical services, while supporting humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip. Although ICJ advisory opinions carry significant legal and political weight, they are not binding and the court does not have enforcement authority.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the opinion, urging Israel to comply with its obligations. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said, “The impact of this Opinion will be decisive to improve the tragic situation in Gaza.”

The opinion comes after Israel restricted UNRWA operations in Gaza, citing claims that some employees were affiliated with Hamas or other militant groups. Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the ICJ findings, stating it “fully upholds its obligations under international law” and would not cooperate with an organization it alleges is “infested with terror activities.”

The ICJ judges found that Israel had not substantiated claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees were Hamas members. Legal representatives for the Palestinians argued that Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza between March and May this year violated international law, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has approached famine conditions.

Under a recent ceasefire agreement, Israel is supposed to permit 600 trucks of aid daily, but U.N. officials report that actual deliveries remain far below the requirement. The ICJ also underscored that starvation cannot be used as a method of warfare.

UNRWA, which provides education and humanitarian support to millions of Palestinians, employs over 30,000 people. Israel contends that some UNRWA staff have been involved in militant activities, while the U.N. confirmed that a small number of staff were dismissed last year for alleged participation in attacks.

The advisory opinion follows an earlier 2024 ICJ ruling declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and emphasizing its human rights obligations toward Palestinians as an occupying power.