INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings in The Hague from April 28 marked a critical juncture in the longstanding
humanitarian and legal challenges posed by Israel's responsibilities towards Palestinians, specifically access to humanitarian aid in Gaza
international law against the backdrop of a significant blockade and worsening humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian
ensure and facilitate humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.This was particularly in relation to the UN Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).This request followed a decision by Israel in January 2025 to cut off its ties with UNRWA,
accusing the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas - a charge that UNRWA denied
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza, stopping all food, fuel, and medical supplies, claiming that it was
for security reasons and as a means to pressure Hamas to free hostages.The blockade has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The World Food Programme (WFP) has said that it has run out of food supplies in Gaza, exposing millions of Palestinians to starvation, and
they are also not receiving crucial medical supplies
civilians at risk.The ICJ is intervening in the matter after previous judgments, including the January 2024 order, which directed Israel to
international organizations, including major powers such as the U.S., China, France, Russia, and regional bodies like the Arab League and
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, presenting their arguments before a 15-judge panel.However, Israel has boycotted the oral
citing intelligence claims that over 1,400 UNRWA employees in Gaza have militant ties, a figure unsubstantiated by independent
evidence.Palestinian representatives, notably Ammar Hijazi, head of the Palestinian mission to the Netherlands, have accused Israel of using
international law.This is part of a series of legal analyses of Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories
In a second case brought by South Africa, the ICJ has ordered provisional measures against Israel to allow the supply of essential services
and humanitarian aid, invoking concerns of potential violations of the Genocide Convention.Human Rights Watch has also said that Israel
continues to block the entry of life-saving assistance to Gaza, contrary to the ICJ directives
The agency noted that, although deliveries have slightly improved, deliveries remain inadequate to meet the overwhelming needs of the
population.ICJ opinion and global aid policyThe ICJ's procedural opinion will be issued soon, and it will not be a final decision in a
strict sense, but will be very influential in international law and politics
It will include whether Israel's embargo and prohibition on UNRWA are an infringement of international humanitarian law, i.e., the Fourth
Geneva Convention.Under this one, the humanitarian needs of the population under occupation are the responsibility of the government
In addition, the court is set to examine the UN Charter and customary international law, wherein Israel has a duty to make it less difficult
to provide humanitarian aid.The hearings are happening during some pretty tense times in global politics
voted against a UN resolution that was asking for an advisory opinion, and now they're set to argue in favor of Israel
On the other hand, countries like Germany, France, and Britain are pushing for easier humanitarian access to Gaza.Israel isn't taking part
in the hearings and has been criticizing the UN and UNRWA, showing just how much distrust they have and how they see these court proceedings
as part of a larger attack on their legitimacy.For the Palestinian leadership and their international supporters, the ICJ hearings are
crucial for holding Israel accountable and pushing for global action to address the humanitarian issues.The court's opinion could shape
relationships with important allies.
This article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times
