ICJ Orders Israel to Work With UNRWA Despite Ban, Highlighting Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

In a landmark ruling that underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to collaborate with United Nations agencies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This directive comes despite Israel’s recent ban on UNRWA operations, creating a complex diplomatic and humanitarian standoff that has significant implications for civilians caught in the ongoing conflict. The court’s decision represents a critical intervention in what many humanitarian experts describe as one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies in recent history, with millions of Palestinians facing acute shortages of food, medicine, and basic necessities.

Court’s Ruling Challenges Israel’s Position on UNRWA

The ICJ’s pronouncement directly contradicts Israel’s stance on UNRWA, which it banned from operating in its territory following allegations that some agency employees participated in the October 7 attacks that precipitated the current conflict. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that UNRWA has been “thoroughly infiltrated by Hamas,” claims that have fueled the government’s decision to sever ties with the organization. However, the court determined that regardless of these allegations, Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law require it to ensure the provision of basic services to civilians in occupied territories. Legal experts note that the ruling is provisional but binding, placing Israel in the difficult position of having to reconcile compliance with international law against its own security concerns and domestic political considerations.

“This ruling reinforces the principle that humanitarian needs must be prioritized even in the most challenging security environments,” explained Dr. Sarah Levin, professor of international humanitarian law at Columbia University. “The ICJ is essentially saying that whatever legitimate security concerns exist, they cannot justify blocking an organization that provides essential services to millions of vulnerable people.”

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Aid Organizations Struggle for Access

The conflict has created catastrophic conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with the United Nations repeatedly warning of famine and widespread disease. UNRWA, which has operated in the region since 1949, serves as the primary provider of education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinian refugees. Its absence has created an enormous gap in humanitarian assistance that other organizations have been unable to fill. Recent assessments from the World Food Programme indicate that over 90% of Gaza’s population is experiencing food insecurity, with children particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and its long-term developmental consequences.

“The situation on the ground is deteriorating by the day,” reported Mohammed Al-Halabi, a humanitarian coordinator who recently returned from the Gaza border. “We’re seeing unprecedented levels of hunger, with families going days without proper meals. The healthcare system has essentially collapsed, with hospitals operating without electricity, medicine, or sufficient staff. When you remove UNRWA from this equation, you’re removing the backbone of humanitarian support in the region.”

Legal and Diplomatic Implications Ripple Through International Community

The ICJ ruling has sent ripples through diplomatic circles, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling it “a necessary step toward addressing the immense suffering in Gaza.” The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has found itself in an increasingly uncomfortable position, having previously suspended funding to UNRWA following Israel’s allegations but recently indicating a willingness to restore financial support pending reforms. European nations have largely maintained their funding to the agency, arguing that the humanitarian imperative outweighs concerns about individual employees who have already been dismissed following internal investigations.

The ruling also highlights the growing isolation of Israel in international forums, with several legal analysts suggesting it could strengthen the parallel case at the ICJ examining allegations of genocide. Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, described the court’s decision as “vindication of what we have been saying all along – that Israel cannot use security as a blanket excuse to punish an entire population.” Israel’s representative to the UN, Danny Danon, countered that the ruling “fails to recognize the security threats posed by an organization that has been compromised by terrorist elements.”

UNRWA’s Critical Role and Controversial History

Founded after the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA has grown to become one of the largest UN operations, with over 30,000 staff serving Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Its mandate extends beyond typical emergency relief to include education, healthcare, and social services – effectively functioning as a quasi-governmental entity in many Palestinian communities. This extensive role has made it both indispensable to Palestinians and controversial among Israeli officials, who have long argued that the agency perpetuates the refugee status of Palestinians rather than facilitating permanent solutions.

“Understanding UNRWA requires acknowledging its dual nature,” explained Dr. Robert Jenkins, a Middle East policy analyst. “On one hand, it provides absolutely essential services that prevent total humanitarian collapse. On the other, its very existence reflects the unresolved nature of the Palestinian refugee issue, making it inevitably political despite its humanitarian mandate.” The agency’s current crisis reflects this tension, with supporters emphasizing its irreplaceable humanitarian function while critics focus on governance and neutrality concerns. The ICJ ruling essentially prioritizes the immediate humanitarian imperative while acknowledging that longer-term reforms may be necessary.

Path Forward Requires Balancing Humanitarian Needs and Security Concerns

As Israel weighs its response to the ICJ ruling, the international community faces the challenge of finding a sustainable solution that addresses both humanitarian needs and security concerns. Several diplomatic initiatives are emerging, including proposals for enhanced oversight of UNRWA operations, third-party monitoring of aid distribution, and potentially creating alternative aid channels that could supplement but not replace UNRWA’s extensive infrastructure. The Biden administration has suggested a compromise position, calling for “meaningful reforms” within UNRWA while recognizing the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” that necessitates its continued operation.

For Gaza’s civilians, these legal and diplomatic maneuvers have life-or-death consequences. “The debate about UNRWA sometimes loses sight of what’s at stake,” said Dr. Helena Ramsay, who directs an international health NGO operating in Gaza. “Every day without full humanitarian access means more preventable deaths, more children traumatized, more families torn apart. Whatever solution emerges must prioritize getting aid flowing immediately, while building systems that address legitimate concerns about oversight and accountability.”

As the world awaits Israel’s response to the ICJ ruling, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution that balances humanitarian imperatives with security considerations. The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing crisis, but whether it will translate into improved conditions for Gaza’s population remains to be seen. What is clear is that the international legal system has added its voice to the chorus calling for immediate action to address one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies of our time.