The International Court of Justice saw the United Nations condemn Israel's ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, amidst rising casualties and humanitarian crises due to prolonged conflict.**
International Court of Justice Hearing on Gaza Humanitarian Aid Blockade**
International Court of Justice Hearing on Gaza Humanitarian Aid Blockade**
UN Criticizes Israel’s Actions as Aid Blockade in Gaza Extends**
The discussions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Monday involved intense criticism from the United Nations regarding Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid intended for the Gaza Strip. Israel opted not to participate in the hearings, dismissing the proceedings as biased against its stance.
Israel has enforced a blockade on the entry of essential supplies—food, medicine, and other forms of relief—into the war-ravaged Gaza Strip for more than six weeks. This decision forms part of a broader strategy to urge the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The Israeli government defends its blockade as legal, asserting that the region has adequate supplies despite these restrictions.
In stark contrast, the U.N. and various aid organizations adamantly claim that the blockade exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation faced by Palestinians, following over a year and a half of conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced more than a million people. Notably, the blockade commenced shortly after the cessation of a two-month truce that had initiated in early January, which had allowed some reprieve for Gazans by permitting limited aid.
Elinor Hammarskjöld, the U.N.'s leading legal advisor, articulated grave concerns in her opening remarks at the ICJ hearings. “The humanitarian consequences of ceasing all aid into Gaza since March 2nd are devastating for the region,” she stressed.
This hearing, prompted by a U.N. General Assembly request in December, seeks an advisory opinion from the ICJ regarding Israel’s obligations concerning humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories. As many as 40 countries are anticipated to contribute to the discussions, though a formal opinion from the Court is not expected for some time.
