The United Nations is facing a significant challenge due to Israel's refusal to allow its agencies to operate freely in the Palestinian territories. This issue is currently being discussed in The Hague over five days, with many countries and organizations sharing their views. The main focus is on Israel's humanitarian duties towards Palestinians, especially after more than 50 days of a complete blockade on aid entering Gaza.

Israel has chosen not to participate in these discussions but has provided written statements. They claim that stopping cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was necessary because of alleged Hamas involvement. However, this claim has not been backed up with solid evidence, according to independent investigations.

The UN's legal chief emphasized that Israel cannot unilaterally decide that UN bodies are not impartial and then refuse to cooperate. They stated that if there are concerns about an organization's neutrality, there are established processes to address them. The UN has examined Israel's complaints, but more evidence is needed to support the claims of Hamas infiltration.

The Palestinian ambassador to the Netherlands accused Israel of breaking international law in the occupied territories. They highlighted the severe conditions in Gaza, where nine out of ten Palestinians lack access to safe drinking water. Humanitarian aid is being used as a weapon, with UN storage facilities running empty.

Israel's foreign minister sees the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing as part of a broader effort to delegitimize Israel. They argue that it is not Israel that should be on trial but rather the UN and UNRWA. Israel's written evidence to the court suggests that there is no obligation to respect the immunities of a UN agency if the agency's actions severely undermine the security concerns of a member state.

The UN General Assembly has asked the ICJ for an advisory opinion on whether Israel's policy of non-cooperation overrides the immunities of a UN body. This policy has forced UNRWA to suspend operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The UN's legal chief stressed the importance of these proceedings in clarifying the legal framework of the UN's status and the obligations of its member states.

The Palestinian lawyers presented emotional pleas, focusing on the impact of Israel's refusal to allow aid into Gaza. They showed judges Instagram posts from traumatised doctors describing conducting amputations on children without proper medical supplies. Israel controls all international aid inflows for the 2. 4 million Palestinians in Gaza, which has led to dwindling supplies and urgent needs.

The UN was the first to address the court, followed by Palestinian representatives. In total, 40 states and four international organizations are scheduled to participate. The court's decision, though not legally binding, could significantly impact international jurisprudence, aid to Israel, and public opinion.

Aid Blockade: Israel's Stand Against UN Operations

Actions