According to the court’s decision issued on Wednesday, Israel, in particular, must respect the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare and provide basic needs to the Palestinian people, including the delivery of aid. The court also ruled that Israel is obliged to accept and facilitate aid programs provided by the United Nations, including the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Danon stated to journalists presented by Israel’s permanent mission: ‘The court’s decision is disgraceful. They accuse Israel of not cooperating with UN bodies… they should blame themselves. These bodies have become a breeding ground for terrorists.’
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the decision as ‘extremely important,’ expressing his hope that Israel will comply with it. The court clarified that ‘as an occupying power, Israel is obliged to allow UN relief efforts in Palestinian territories, including the provision of urgent vital supplies,’ according to Western media.
The court noted that Israel failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claims that a ‘significant number’ of UNRWA staff are members of the Hamas movement, a claim Israel used to prevent the agency from operating on its territory.
