The ICJ ruled Israel must allow humanitarian aid, including via UNRWA, to Gaza, but Israel rejected the non-binding opinion.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating Israel must allow humanitarian aid, including through UNRWA, to reach Palestinians in Gaza, affirming its obligations as an occupying power. The non-binding ruling carries significant legal and moral weight. Israel rejected the opinion, calling it biased, and maintains it is not obligated to permit UNRWA operations despite allegations of staff ties to Hamas, which the agency denies. Investigations found no conclusive evidence of widespread staff involvement in terrorism. A fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire has allowed aid deliveries to increase, but daily shipments remain well below the 2,000-tonne target. UNRWA continues to operate in Gaza with about 12,000 staff, having lost over 370 personnel since the war began. The ICJ is also reviewing South Africa’s genocide allegations and the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.