Israel rejects ICJ Gaza aid advisory as ‘political’: Is international law being ignored?
Jerusalem: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on October 22, 2025, issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel must permit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The ruling emphasised Israel's legal obligation to meet the basic needs of the civilian population and facilitate aid operations in the war-torn territory.
Israel, however, rejected the advisory, with foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein describing it as “a political attempt to impose measures under the guise of international law.” The government maintained that the ICJ’s opinion was predictable and biased regarding UNRWA operations.
The ICJ noted that Israel had not substantiated claims that UNRWA staff were affiliated with Hamas and reaffirmed the importance of unhindered humanitarian access. Advisory opinions from the ICJ, while non-binding, carry significant weight and are intended to guide compliance with international law, especially in matters affecting civilian protection during conflict.
The ruling comes amid a fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on October 10, 2025, following a two-year war. Under this truce, humanitarian aid deliveries were already planned, but Israel had previously restricted UNRWA operations in Gaza, leading to severe food shortages and accusations of famine in parts of the territory.
International organisations, including the Foreign Press Association and Reporters Without Borders, have urged Israel to allow independent access for journalists to report on the humanitarian crisis. Experts warn that adherence to ICJ guidance is crucial to ensuring that civilians receive essential aid and that international legal norms are upheld.
Also read: Benjamin Netanyahu confirms run for Prime Minister in 2026 elections
The ICJ advisory followed a request from the UN General Assembly in December 2024, seeking clarity on Israel’s obligations to facilitate humanitarian operations in Gaza. The court reaffirmed that Israel must agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA.
Israel had previously imposed a ban on UNRWA in Gaza in January 2025, citing alleged links between the agency’s staff and Hamas. Following international criticism, Israel temporarily allowed partial aid deliveries, while also attempting to redirect distribution through the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose operations were later suspended under the current ceasefire.
The advisory opinion does not carry direct enforcement measures, but it reinforces international expectations regarding the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Experts say Israel’s compliance will influence broader global adherence to UN operations and humanitarian law.
The conflict in Gaza began in October 2023, after a Hamas attack on southern Israel, which triggered Israeli military operations resulting in tens of thousands of casualties. The ICJ’s ruling aims to ensure that humanitarian obligations are prioritised amid ongoing tensions and limited access for journalists and relief agencies.
(With AFP inputs)