What's happened
On October 22, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating Israel must facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, including allowing UNRWA operations. The court found Israel's claims that UNRWA was infiltrated by Hamas unsubstantiated. Israel rejected the ruling as politically motivated. The decision follows a fragile US-brokered ceasefire and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
What's behind the headline?
Legal and Humanitarian Implications
The ICJ's advisory opinion unequivocally states that Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure the basic needs of Gaza's population are met, including facilitating aid through UNRWA. This ruling challenges Israel's narrative that UNRWA is compromised by Hamas, a claim the court found unsubstantiated. Despite the nonbinding nature of the opinion, it carries significant legal and moral weight, reinforcing international humanitarian law principles.
Political Dynamics and Rejection
Israel's swift rejection of the ruling as politically motivated underscores the deep political divide surrounding Gaza. The Israeli government continues to view UNRWA with suspicion, effectively barring it from Gaza since January 2025. This stance complicates aid delivery and prolongs the humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Delivery
The ruling comes amid a fragile US-brokered ceasefire allowing limited aid into Gaza. However, aid deliveries remain insufficient, with reports of famine and widespread destruction. UNRWA remains the largest and most experienced aid provider in Gaza, operating schools, clinics, and relief programs despite restrictions.
Broader Ramifications
The ICJ opinion may influence future international legal interpretations of occupation and humanitarian obligations, potentially affecting UN operations worldwide. It also highlights the tension between legal rulings and political realities on the ground, with enforcement mechanisms lacking.
Forecast
Without Israeli cooperation, the humanitarian situation in Gaza will likely deteriorate further. International pressure may increase, but tangible changes depend on political will. The US and other mediators face the challenge of balancing security concerns with urgent humanitarian needs. The debate over UNRWA's role will remain central to aid efforts and political negotiations.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's claim that UNRWA had become a "subsidiary of Hamas" as "quite shocking" and "devastating," emphasizing UNRWA's extensive aid infrastructure in Gaza. The Independent reported Rubio's remarks during a visit to Israel, noting his rejection of UNRWA but willingness to work with other UN agencies, highlighting the US push for an international security force to police the ceasefire.
The New Arab detailed Israel's firm stance against UNRWA's return to Gaza, citing an Israeli official who claimed all UN agencies had failed or fallen under Hamas control, despite the ICJ ruling rejecting Israel's allegations. The same outlet also covered the ICJ's advisory opinion, noting Israel's categorical rejection and framing of the court's decision as politically motivated.
Arab News and SBS provided comprehensive coverage of the ICJ ruling, quoting ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa on Israel's obligations and the court's rejection of Israel's claims against UNRWA. They highlighted the court's emphasis on Israel's duty not to use starvation as a method of warfare and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The Times of Israel and South China Morning Post contextualized the ruling within the broader conflict, noting Israel's ban on UNRWA since January 2025 and the fragile US-brokered ceasefire. They reported on Israel's denial of wrongdoing and the legal weight of the advisory opinion, while also covering Palestinian accusations of Israeli blockade and starvation tactics.
These sources collectively illustrate the polarized perspectives: international legal bodies and humanitarian agencies emphasize Israel's obligations and the critical role of UNRWA, while Israeli officials maintain security concerns and reject the court's findings. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with aid deliveries constrained despite ceasefire agreements.
How we got here
The ICJ was asked by the UN General Assembly in December 2024 to clarify Israel's legal obligations after it banned UNRWA from Gaza, accusing the agency of Hamas ties without evidence. The ban and restrictions on aid have worsened Gaza's humanitarian crisis amid a two-year Israeli offensive following Hamas's 2023 attack. The ICJ's advisory opinion builds on previous rulings condemning Israeli policies in Palestinian territories.
Go deeper
- What is UNRWA and why is it important in Gaza?
- Why does Israel oppose UNRWA's operations in Gaza?
- How does the ICJ ruling affect the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
Common question
-
What Does the ICJ Ruling Mean for Gaza Aid?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver an important advisory opinion on Israel's legal obligations regarding the Gaza blockade and UN aid restrictions. This ruling could have significant implications for international law, humanitarian efforts, and future UN operations in conflict zones. Many are asking what this decision means for Gaza, for international law, and for ongoing aid efforts. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this landmark case.
-
What Are the Legal Arguments Surrounding Gaza’s Aid Blockade?
The ongoing Gaza aid blockade has sparked intense debate over its legality under international law. With the ICJ set to deliver an advisory opinion, many are asking what legal grounds Israel and the UN are using, and how this ruling could impact future humanitarian efforts. Below, we explore key questions about the legal, humanitarian, and global implications of this case.
-
How Will the ICJ Ruling on Gaza Aid Impact International Law?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver a pivotal advisory opinion on Israel's blockade of Gaza and the UN's aid restrictions. This decision could reshape how international law influences humanitarian efforts and global responses to conflicts. Curious about what this means for aid policies, legal decisions, and the future of international justice? Keep reading to explore the key questions surrounding this landmark case.
More on these topics
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The International Court of Justice, sometimes called the World Court, is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It settles disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues referred to it by the UN. Its opin
-
The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
-
Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
-
Yoav Galant is an Israeli politician and former commander of the Southern Command in the Israel Defense Forces. In January 2015, he entered politics, joining the new Kulanu party.
-
Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.