The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel must permit the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza Strip, emphasising its legal duty as an occupying power to guarantee access to essential supplies for the civilian population. In its decision on 23 October, the Court declared that Israel “is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including essential supplies for survival” and “must not obstruct the delivery of such supplies.”

ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa underlined that Israel is required to accept and facilitate United Nations‑led aid programmes, particularly those managed by UNRWA, the agency supporting Palestinian refugees. The Court rejected Israel’s claims that UNRWA personnel were collaborating with Palestinian resistance groups, noting that no evidence had been provided to substantiate these allegations. UNRWA’s Director‑General, Philippe Lazzarini, welcomed the ruling, highlighting that the organisation already has substantial stocks of food and essential supplies in Egypt and Jordan ready for immediate distribution to alleviate civilian suffering.

The Court also reaffirmed that Israel may not employ famine as a method of warfare against Gaza’s civilian population. The ICJ ruling comes as humanitarian organisations work to expand relief efforts under the fragile ceasefire reached earlier this month, despite Israel continuing to block access at critical border points, including Rafah. Arab states and international actors have welcomed the decision, stressing the urgent need to prevent further civilian suffering and ensure the rights and survival of Gaza’s population.