Gaza: On April 28, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began examining Israel’s obligations concerning humanitarian aid access in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The hearings are focused on Israel’s responsibilities to allow the United Nations and other organizations to deliver crucial assistance to Palestinian civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
Experts say the ICJ proceedings are critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis deepening in Gaza due to blockades and military operations. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has faced severe restrictions, and aid supplies have been heavily controlled or delayed, worsening conditions for civilians.
Alexandre Skander Galand, an assistant professor of international law at Maastricht University, explained that the core of the case is about how Israel treats UNRWA and the broader control it exercises over humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. The court's decision could have significant implications for future aid operations.
The discussions will likely include whether Israel’s actions violate international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which mandate the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Observers note that if Israel is found to have breached its duties, it could face increased international pressure and legal consequences.
This ICJ case comes amid growing global concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, where civilians continue to suffer from shortages of food, medicine, and basic services due to prolonged blockades and military activities.
