The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concluded a week of hearings on April 28–May 2, 2025, examining Israel’s legal obligations regarding its occupation of Palestinian territories and its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. During the proceedings, United Nations and Palestinian representatives accused Israel of violating international law by preventing essential supplies from reaching Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who have been cut off since March 2, 2025, and face acute shortages after depleting stockpiles from a temporary ceasefire earlier this year . The court is expected to issue a non-binding advisory opinion in the coming months, a decision that could carry significant moral and legal weight for UN operations and state conduct worldwide 

Background of the ICJ Case

In December 2024, the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion on “Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory” following Israel’s 2024 legislation banning UNRWA operations within its territory . Hearings commenced on April 28, 2025, before a 13-judge panel led by ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa, featuring opening statements from UN under-secretaries, state parties, and civil society observers 

Key Allegations by UN and Palestinian Delegations

Blockade of Humanitarian Aid

UN legal counsel argued Israel has “unprecedented” obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention to allow and facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians under occupation, contending that the March 2 cutoff of all supplies to Gaza constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law.  Palestinian delegates described Gaza’s health system as “collapsed,” with hospitals running on dwindling generator fuel, and civilians resorting to foraging for wild plants to survive.

Denial of Access to UNRWA

Israel’s decision to prohibit UNRWA, the principal aid agency in Gaza, since October 2023—citing alleged Hamas infiltration—was criticized as “politicized” and “punitive,” undermining decades of humanitarian infrastructure and leaving residents without essential services.

Israel’s Position and Security Concerns

In written submissions and during oral arguments, Israel’s representatives characterized the hearings as “biased” and argued there is no absolute requirement under the Geneva Conventions to cooperate with a specific UN agency, emphasizing that security imperatives—particularly the presence of hostages held by Hamas—justify the aid cutoff until guarantees can be established against weapon smuggling. A U.S. State Department lawyer, speaking on behalf of Israel, maintained that the UN General Assembly lacks authority to compel such cooperation.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

Since Israel’s full blockade began on March 2, 2025, Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have experienced severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. Stockpiles from a brief ceasefire in January have been exhausted, prompting UN agencies to warn of “impending famine” and catastrophic public health collapse unless aid corridors reopen immediately.

Next Steps and Potential Impact

The ICJ’s forthcoming advisory opinion—expected in several months—will clarify the legal scope of UN immunities and state obligations concerning humanitarian operations in occupied territories. While non-binding, the opinion could influence UN policy, prompt diplomatic pressure on Israel, and set precedents for international legal norms governing aid in conflict zones. In parallel, UN member states and human rights organizations are calling for immediate interim measures to compel Israel to restore aid access under Article 41 of the ICJ Statute.

Sources

1. Reuters: “Top UN court wraps a week of hearings on humanitarian aid to Gaza”

2. The Times: “Israel is using aid as a weapon of war in Gaza, UN court told”

3. The Guardian: “Israel has no duty to allow UN aid agency into Gaza, says US state department lawyer” 

4. Al Jazeera: “ICJ hearing on Israel’s obligation to allow aid to Palestine: Key takeaways” 

5. Wikipedia: “UNRWA and Israel”

6. Wikipedia: “ICJ case on Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories” 

7. Reuters video (Facebook): “LIVE: World Court concludes hearings in case against Israel”

8. Reuters: “Israel accused of Gaza aid blockade as World Court hearings start”

9. PBS NewsHour: “Palestinian diplomat tells UN court Israel is killing civilians in Gaza. Israel says it’s being persecuted”

10. Associated Press: “Top UN court wraps a week of hearings on humanitarian aid to Gaza”