UN General Assembly Calls on ICJ to Issue Advisory Opinion on Humanitarian Obligations in Gaza
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has passed a resolution urging the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an advisory opinion on the humanitarian responsibilities of the Zionist entity in Gaza. The resolution, introduced by Norway, was adopted on Thursday with overwhelming support: 137 votes in favor, 12 against, and 22 abstentions, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The resolution calls on the ICJ to examine the obligations of the Zionist entity, as an occupying power, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, development assistance, and basic services to the Palestinian people. This includes aid provided by countries, international organizations, and UN agencies such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The move comes in response to the Zionist entity’s decision to ban UNRWA operations starting at the end of January and to other challenges faced by UN agencies in delivering aid to Gaza over the past year.
The resolution also expresses deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and calls on the Zionist entity to fulfill its obligations and remove obstacles to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
UN and Security Council officials have emphasized the critical role of UNRWA in Gaza’s humanitarian response. Last month, a global food security committee warned of an imminent risk of famine in northern Gaza, exacerbating the dire conditions.
On Tuesday, the UNGA also adopted a separate resolution reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination by an overwhelming majority, signaling strong international support for Palestinian rights amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.
