The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called on Israel to urgently comply with a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, emphasizing its obligations under international law to ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. The ICJ's ruling, issued on October 22, 2025, mandates Israel to facilitate relief efforts by United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

The court's decision underscores that Israel, as the occupying power, is responsible for ensuring the basic needs of the civilian population in Gaza are met, including access to life-saving supplies. The ICJ found that Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid, particularly the blockade of UNRWA's operations, constitute a breach of its obligations under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. The court also dismissed Israeli claims that UNRWA staff were affiliated with Hamas, stating that such allegations were unsubstantiated.

In response to the ruling, Volker Turk urged all states to act swiftly to address the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza. He emphasized that compliance with the ICJ's decision is crucial for alleviating the suffering of the civilian population and for the restoration of peace and stability in the region.