The UN General Assembly has voted to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding “Israel’s” accusations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and its operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The resolution, presented by Norway, was supported by 137 countries during a vote on Thursday morning. Twelve countries, including “Israel” and the United States, opposed the resolution, joined by Argentina, Paraguay, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Fiji. Meanwhile, 22 countries abstained from voting.

Norway received broad backing for the resolution, which contains ten key operative paragraphs. Supporters included countries such as Algeria, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, Bahrain, and Yemen, alongside Norway’s co-sponsors Nigeria, Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Tanzania.

Ahead of the vote, Norway’s representative introduced the draft resolution, emphasizing the importance of clarity regarding Israel’s obligations under international law. In contrast, representatives from the United States and “Israel” opposed the resolution, while Greece explained its decision to abstain.

The resolution tasks the ICJ with advising on “Israel’s” responsibilities regarding the presence and activities of UNRWA and other international organisations operating in the occupied territories.