On the advisory opinion delivered by the ICJ regarding the State of Israel's obligations in the occupied Palestinian territory
UNRWA
22 Oct 2025
AMMAN,
The International Court of Justice today delivered a clear opinion on the State of Israel's obligations in the occupied Palestinian territory. The Court found that Israel must agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Gaza Strip, in particular by UNRWA, and not impede such relief.
The advisory opinion emphasises UNRWA's indispensable role as provider of humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip, as well as the Agency's unique mandate and connection to the people of Gaza which have allowed it to deliver assistance in a safe and dignified way.
The Court recalled "the scale and urgency of the needs of the population of the Gaza Strip, and UNRWA's unique and sustained connection with the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory," adding that "in the current circumstances, it is not possible to replicate the capacity of the United Nations, acting through UNRWA, to ensure that the population of the Gaza Strip is adequately provided for."
The Court also underscored that the Israeli authorities' claim that UNRWA is infiltrated by Hamas was not substantiated, nor were allegations that UNRWA is not a neutral organisation.
UNRWA and other agencies are present in the occupied Palestinian territory to address overwhelming needs, and we must all be allowed to do our work without obstruction.
The State of Israel, as a Member State of the United Nations, has an obligation to facilitate UNRWA operations, including beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, by allowing UNRWA to provide essential services such as healthcare and education. The Court found that the State of Israel is not entitled to unilaterally decide on the presence and activities of the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The legislated obstruction of UNRWA's ability to bring in food, medicine, shelter and educational materials to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in force since March, has limited the Agency's ability to fulfil its mandate during a time of huge humanitarian need.
UNRWA's schools in East Jerusalem were forcibly closed in May, denying children their right to education. UNRWA international staff are refused visas, preventing them from entering the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as the Gaza Strip.
The Court determined that Israel is obliged to co-operate in good faith with the United Nations by providing every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, including UNRWA, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to respect the privileges and immunities accorded to it and its personnel under international law.
The so called 'no-contact policy', which bans Israeli officials from coordinating or communicating with UNRWA officials, undermines UNRWA personnel and operations on the ground and places them at great risk from military operations.
This legislation has also compounded a climate of disregard for international humanitarian law and the protection of UN personnel and facilities. UNRWA team members have been killed. Others have been detained and subjected to severe mistreatment in custody. UNRWA facilities in the Gaza Strip and in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have been destroyed, damaged and forcibly entered and misused.
Not only must this cease immediately in line with international law, but there must also be accountability.
Aid must be let in, and humanitarian personnel and operations must be protected. All restrictions on UNRWA must be lifted immediately.
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