In a landmark decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared on Wednesday that Israel’s ban on the United Nations’ primary humanitarian provider to Palestinians and its restrictions on aid to Gaza and the occupied West Bank contravene international law. The court unanimously emphasized that Israel, as an occupying power, must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, ensuring Palestinians have access to essential supplies such as food, medical resources, and shelter. By a vote of 10 to 1, the ICJ further ruled that Israel must facilitate and not obstruct relief schemes for Gaza, including those administered by the UN and its agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The court also underscored Israel’s duty to prevent forced displacement, refrain from using starvation as a war tactic, and cooperate in good faith with UN entities. Additionally, the ICJ dismissed Israel’s claims linking UNRWA staff to Hamas, affirming the agency’s impartiality and critical role in delivering aid. The ruling highlighted Israel’s controversial attempt to replace UNRWA’s operations with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which failed to meet international humanitarian standards. This advisory opinion follows six months of hearings at The Hague, where over 40 states and organizations argued Israel’s breach of its legal obligations. Only the US and Hungary opposed the majority view, citing military necessity and security concerns. The case stems from Israel’s 2024 ban on UNRWA, which sparked global condemnation and calls for Israel’s expulsion from the UN. This marks the third ICJ advisory opinion since 2004 addressing Israel’s violations of international law, with the court’s interpretations holding significant authority in global legal frameworks.