Archiv: 28-10-2024 Israel bans UN agency UNRWA / World Court hearings 28-04 to 02-05-2025 / ruling on 22-10-2025: Israel must allow UNRWA to aid people in Palestine


28.11.2025 - 02:48 [ Amnesty International ]

Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza continues unabated despite ceasefire

In December 2024 Amnesty International issued an extensive study concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza arguing that Israel had carried out three acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention, with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, including killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.

Today despite a reduction in scale of attacks, and some limited improvements, there has been no meaningful change in the conditions Israel is inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza and no evidence to indicate that Israel’s intent has changed.

“Israel has inflicted devastating harm on Palestinians in Gaza through its genocide, including two years of relentless bombardment and deliberate systematic starvation. So far, there is no indication that Israel is taking serious measures to reverse the deadly impact of its crimes and no evidence that its intent has changed. In fact, Israeli authorities are continuing their ruthless policies, restricting access to vital humanitarian aid and essential services, and deliberately imposing conditions calculated to physically destroy Palestinians in Gaza,” said Agnès Callamard.

At least 347people, including 136 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was announced on 9 October. Israel continues to restrict access to critical aid and relief supplies, including medical supplies and equipment necessary to repair life-sustaining infrastructure, violating multiple orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for Israel to ensure that Palestinians have access to humanitarian supplies, in the case brought by South Africa to prevent Israel’s genocide. In January 2024, the ICJ found that Palestinians’ rights under the Genocide Convention, namely their survival were plausibly at risk.

The objective probability that the current conditions would lead to the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza persists, particularly considering the enhanced vulnerability of the population to sickness and spread of disease following months of famine caused by years of unlawful blockade and months of total siege earlier this year. This has created circumstances that would lead to a slow death of Palestinians resulting from the lack of proper food, water, shelter, clothing or sanitation.

28.11.2025 - 02:41 [ Middle East Eye ]

Israel‘s genocide in Gaza continues as Palestinians face ‚slow death‘, Amnesty says

Ceasefire violations by Israel, no housing, destroyed farmland and ongoing sea blockade are intended to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, report says

29.10.2025 - 23:03 [ International Court of Justice ]

OBLIGATIONS OF ISRAEL IN RELATION TO THE PRESENCE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS, OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THIRD STATES IN AND IN RELATION TO THEOCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

(October 22, 2025)

223. For these reasons,

THE COURT ,

(1) Unanimously,
Finds that it has jurisdiction to give the advisory opinion requested;

(2) Unanimously,
Decides to comply with the request for an advisory opinion;

(3) Is of the opinion that the State of Israel, as an occupying Power, is required to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law. These obligations include the following:

(a) Unanimously,
to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services;

(b) By ten votes to one,
to agree to and facilitate by all means at its disposal relief schemes on behalf of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory so long as that population is inadequately supplied, as has been the case in the Gaza Strip, including relief provided by the United Nations and its entities, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, other international organizations and third States, and not to impede such relief;
IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde;

(c) Unanimously,
to respect and protect all relief and medical personnel and facilities;

(d) Unanimously,
to respect the prohibition on forcible transfer and deportation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;

(e) Unanimously,
to respect the right of protected persons from the Occupied Palestinian Territory who are detained by the State of Israel to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross; and

(f) Unanimously,
to respect the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare;

29.10.2025 - 22:57 [ Middle East Eye ]

Israel bans Red Cross from visiting Palestinians held without trial

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has officially barred the International Committee of the Red Cross from visiting Palestinians held under Israel’s so-called “unlawful combatants” law, a legal category that does not exist under international law and allows indefinite detention without charge, trial or oversight.

Katz claimed in a decree that allowing ICRC access would “seriously harm national security”, effectively ensuring that Palestinian detainees held under this exceptional measure remain entirely hidden from international monitoring.

24.10.2025 - 23:58 [ Fox News ]

Rubio slams UNRWA as a ‚subsidiary of Hamas,‘ vows it will not ‚play any role‘ in delivering aid to Gaza

„UNRWA‘s not going to play any role in it,“ Rubio said when asked about whether the controversial agency would assist in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. „The United Nations is here. They‘re on the ground. We‘re willing to work with them if they can make it work, but not UNRWA. UNRWA became a subsidiary of Hamas.“

23.10.2025 - 19:24 [ Radio France Internationale ]

No reduction in Gaza hunger since truce: WHO

„The situation still remains catastrophic because what‘s entering is not enough,“ WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online press briefing from the UN health agency‘s Geneva headquarters.

Since the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, there has been „no dent in hunger, because there is not enough food“, he warned.

23.10.2025 - 19:01 [ Radio France Internationale ]

Aid to Gaza still a fraction of promised amounts: UN data

The International Court of Justice said Wednesday that Israel was obliged to ease the passage of aid into famine-wracked Gaza, stressing it had to provide Palestinians with the „basic needs“ to survive.

The data analysed by AFP is compiled by the UN‘s „2720 Mechanism for Gaza“, which has monitored and tracked humanitarian aid entering Gaza since May 19, the day after the end of Israel‘s two-month blockade of Gaza which prevented humanitarian aid from entering.

22.10.2025 - 21:09 [ International Court of Justice ]

OBLIGATIONS OF ISRAEL IN RELATION TO THE PRESENCE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS, OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THIRD STATES IN AND IN RELATION TO THEOCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

223. For these reasons,

THE COURT ,

(1) Unanimously,
Finds that it has jurisdiction to give the advisory opinion requested;

(2) Unanimously,
Decides to comply with the request for an advisory opinion;

(3) Is of the opinion that the State of Israel, as an occupying Power, is required to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law. These obligations include the following:

(a) Unanimously,
to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services;

(b) By ten votes to one,
to agree to and facilitate by all means at its disposal relief schemes on behalf of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory so long as that population is inadequately supplied, as has been the case in the Gaza Strip, including relief provided by the United Nations and its entities, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, other international organizations and third States, and not to impede such relief;
IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde;

(c) Unanimously,
to respect and protect all relief and medical personnel and facilities;

(d) Unanimously,
to respect the prohibition on forcible transfer and deportation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;

(e) Unanimously,
to respect the right of protected persons from the Occupied Palestinian Territory who are detained by the State of Israel to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross; and

(f) Unanimously,
to respect the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare;

(4) By ten votes to one,
Is of the opinion that, as an occupying Power, the State of Israel has an obligation under
international human rights law to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including through the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde;

(5) By ten votes to one,
Is of the opinion that the State of Israel has an obligation to co-operate in good faith with the United Nations by providing every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde;

(6) By ten votes to one,
Is of the opinion that the State of Israel has an obligation under Article 105 of the Charter of the United Nations to ensure full respect for the privileges and immunities accorded to the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, and its officials, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory;

IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde;

(7) By ten votes to one,
Is of the opinion that the State of Israel has an obligation under Article II of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations to ensure full respect for the inviolability of the premises of the United Nations, including those of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and for the immunity of the property and assets of the Organization from any form of interference;
IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde;

(8) By ten votes to one,
Is of the opinion that the State of Israel has an obligation under Articles V, VI and VII of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations to ensure full respect for the privileges and immunities accorded to the officials and experts on mission of the United Nations, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
IN FAVOUR: President Iwasawa; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Xue, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant,
Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Tladi;
AGAINST: Vice-President Sebutinde.

22.10.2025 - 21:08 [ United Nations ]

Israel is obliged to let aid flow into Occupied Palestinian Territory, says World Court

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) says that Israel must uphold its responsibilities as the “occupying power” by ensuring aid can flow freely and by respecting the rights of the UN and other humanitarian agencies working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

22.10.2025 - 20:33 [ Times of Israel ]

Norway to propose UN resolution demanding Israel lift Gaza aid restrictions

The Scandinavian country initiated the UN resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the ICJ on Israel’s obligations, and the court ruled earlier that Israel is obliged under international law to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza.

“Norway intends to follow up on this (ICJ) decision with a new resolution at the UN General Assembly,” Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide tells a press conference.

“No country can place itself above its obligations under international law. This is essential, both for Palestinians and for all other populations living in situations of war and conflict,” he adds.

22.10.2025 - 17:09 [ South China Morning Post ]

ICJ orders Israel to allow UNRWA aid into Gaza amid ceasefire and famine crisis

The ICJ’s advisory opinion, issued during a fragile ceasefire, reinforces UN authority and affects global humanitarian missions

22.10.2025 - 16:47 [ Washington Post ]

Top UN court says Israel must allow UN relief agency to supply aid to Gaza

The International Court of Justice says Israel must allow the U.N. aid agency in Gaza, known as UNRWA, to provide humanitarian assistance to the war-torn territory

22.10.2025 - 16:44 [ Times of Israel ]

Israel’s UN ambassador: World Court’s advisory opinion on UNRWA is ‘shameful’

sraeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon says the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on UNRWA is “shameful.”

“They are blaming Israel for not cooperating with UN organs… They should be blaming themselves. Those organs became breeding grounds for terrorists. Take for example UNRWA… an organization that supported Hamas for years,” Danon says.

22.10.2025 - 16:38 [ Middle East Eye ]

ICJ rules Israel’s ban on Unrwa and aid blockade violate international law

ICJ advisory opinions are highly authoritative among states and the court‘s interpretation of a legal question is considered binding as a matter of general international law.

22.10.2025 - 16:28 [ Al Jazeera ]

Israel must not use starvation as method of warfare: ICJ

Court President Iwasawa says Israel cannot use starvation as a method of warfare.

“The court recalls Israel’s obligation not to use starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare,” said Iwasawa.

The UN General Assembly asked the court last year to give an advisory opinion on Israel’s legal obligations after the country effectively banned the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

22.10.2025 - 16:24 [ Al Jazeera ]

World Court says Israel must ensure ‘basic needs’ of people in Gaza

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) says Israel must facilitate UN aid efforts in Gaza, including UNRWA’s, and must ensure “basic needs” of Gaza population.

22.10.2025 - 12:41 [ United Nations ]

THE HAGUE – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of Israel

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, delivers its Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, on 22 October 2025, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the Court.

22.10.2025 - 12:30 [ United Nations ]

United Nations Charter, Chapter XIV: The International Court of Justice

Article 96

(1) The General Assembly, the Governing Council or the Security Council may request the International Renewal Court of Justice to give an advisory opinion on any legal question.

(2) Other organs of the Renewed United Nations and specialised agencies, which may at any time be so authorised by the Governing Council or by the General Assembly, may also request advisory opinions of the Court on legal questions arising within the scope of their activities.

22.10.2025 - 12:25 [ United Nations ]

CONVENTION ON THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 13 February 1946

SECTION 3. The premises of the United Nations shall be inviolable. The property and assets of the United Nations, wherever located and by whom soever held, shall be immune from search, requisition, confiscation, expropriation and any other form of interference, whether by executive, administrative, judicial or legislative action.

(…)

SECTION 30. All differences arising out of the interpretation or application of the present convention shall be referred to the International Court of Justice, unless in any case it is agreed by the parties to have recourse to another mode of settlement. If a difference arises between the United Nations on the one hand and a Member on the other hand, a request shall be made for an advisory opinion on any legal question involved in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter and Article 65 of the Statute of the Court. The opinion given by the Court shall be accepted as decisive by the parties.

22.10.2025 - 12:07 [ International Court of Justice ]

Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory

THE HAGUE, 9 October 2025. On Wednesday 22 October 2025, the International Court of Justice will deliver its Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

A public sitting will take place at 3 p.m. during which Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the Court, will read out the Advisory Opinion.

22.10.2025 - 12:05 [ Reuters ]

World Court to give opinion on Israel‘s obligations to allow aid to Palestinians

The opinion, which was requested by the U.N. General Assembly in December, will be closely watched as it could have effects beyond the Gaza conflict. It is expected to address the protections states must provide for U.N. staff worldwide.

(…)

The request for an ICJ opinion was prompted by a 2023 Israeli law that banned U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA from operating in the country, as it said the organisation had employed members of Hamas who took part in the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

28.09.2025 - 23:32 [ Al Jazeera English / Youtube ]

Israeli strikes killed at least 40 Palestinians in Gaza; infant dies of malnutrition

Israeli strikes have killed at least 40 Palestinians across the strip since early on Sunday.
Attacks focused on the north and central parts of Gaza as the air and ground offensives intensify.

27.09.2025 - 23:06 [ United Nations ]

Saudi Arabia: His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud Minister for Foreign Affairs

Statement summary

Not yet available.

27.09.2025 - 23:01 [ Al Jazeera ]

Saudi Arabia warns Israeli aggression could escalate ‘acts of genocide’

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has urged the global community to act decisively to stop “Israeli aggression”, which could have “grave consequences”.

“The failure of international community to take firm actions to end the Israeli aggression and violation will only cause further instability and insecurity regionally and globally,” he told the UN General Assembly.

“Such an action will have grave consequences and will escalate war crimes and acts of genocide.”

21.09.2025 - 00:55 [ Middle East Eye ]

Famine deaths in Gaza reach 442

Two new deaths have been recorded as a result of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza.

This brings the total number of famine-related deaths to 442, including 147 children.

19.09.2025 - 05:18 [ Middle East Eye ]

Four people die of starvation in Gaza over last 24 hours, including a child

(September 18, 2025)

This brings the total number of deaths due to starvation to 435, including 147 children, since Israel‘s genocide began in October 2023.

18.09.2025 - 15:30 [ Middle East Eye ]

435 Palestinians killed by starvation in Gaza, says health ministry

Four Palestinians, including a child, were killed by starvation due to the Israeli-imposed blockade, the Gaza health ministry said on Thursday.

In a statement, it said that the deaths occurred “due to famine and malnutrition” and the total number of deaths due to forced starvation has now risen to 435, including 147 children.

17.09.2025 - 14:58 [ Anadolu ]

Gaza death toll nears 65,000 as hunger deaths climb to 428

1.5-year-old Reyyan el Nehal is brought to Nasser Hospital for burial after losing his life due to malnutrition since Israel has blocked access to basic food supplies through intense siege and restrictions in Khan Yunis, Gaza on September 16, 2025.

15.09.2025 - 17:32 [ Middle East Eye ]

Three more Palestinians die of starvation in Gaza

Three more deaths have been reported in Gaza as a result of starvation and malnutrition over the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

It brings the total death toll from starvation since Israel‘s genocide began in October 2023 to 425, including 145 children.

14.09.2025 - 17:18 [ Palestine Chronicle ]

Gaza Famine Deaths Reach 420 as UN Warns of ‘Death Sentence’ on Gaza City

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that the famine in Gaza is the direct result of deliberate restrictions on humanitarian aid, compounded by the destruction of vital infrastructure and repeated Israeli attacks on relief operations. “In 30 years of humanitarian work, I have never encountered such blatant disregard for the protected status of humanitarian workers,” Lazzarini added.

Olga Cherevko, spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), warned that Israel has effectively “imposed a death sentence” on Gaza City. Speaking via video link from Deir al-Balah to journalists at the UN headquarters in New York, she said Palestinians are left with no choice but “leave or die.”

13.09.2025 - 13:38 [ Al Jazeera ]

Seven more people die of malnutrition in Gaza

That brings the total number of hunger-related deaths in the enclave to 420, including 145 children, according to the ministry’s tally.

10.09.2025 - 21:47 [ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ]

UN experts stand in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, demand full protection of all passengers

GENEVA – United Nations experts* today urged Israel to cease all threats of harm against the Global Sumud Flotilla and ensure it proceeds unhindered in its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.

“Any attempt to block the flotilla would constitute a grave violation of international law and humanitarian principles,” the experts said.

They stressed that the flotilla is a consequence of the failure of the international community to end Israel’s unlawful blockade of Gaza and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis it has produced. “Civil society activists would not be compelled to risk their lives at sea if the General Assembly or Security Council had taken decisive action to ensure safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the experts said.

(…)

*The experts:

– Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967

– Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation

– Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food

– Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education

– George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order

– Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

– Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

– Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing

– Bina D‘Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Isabelle Mamadou, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent

– Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues

– Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association;

– Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children

– Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences

– Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change

– Bina D‘Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Isabelle Mamadou, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent

– Carlos Duarte (Chair), Shalmali Guttal, Davit Hakobyan (vice-chair), Uche Ofodile (vice chair), Genevieve Savigny, Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas

– Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstić (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working group on discrimination against women and girls

– Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

– Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Michelle Small, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andrés Macías Tolosa, Working Group on the use of mercenaries

– Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

– Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

10.09.2025 - 20:50 [ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ]

Gaza: UN child rights committee condemns using starvation of children as weapon of war

GENEVA – The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its deepest concern today over the catastrophic impact on children of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, ahead of the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly session, and urgently reiterated its calls for decisive action by all States, and in particular by Israel as a de facto occupying force.

The Committee highlighted that the famine has now taken hold in Gaza. Malnutrition among children is accelerating at a catastrophic pace. The Committee echoed the multiple UN agencies’ warning that, without immediate and unhindered humanitarian access, the manmade famine will spread, and more children will die.