On 22 October 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered 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.
The Advisory Opinion, delivered pursuant to an urgent request made by the General Assembly in December 2024, reaffirmed Israel’s fundamental obligations under international law, emphasising that Israel, as the occupying Power in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza, is bound to ensure that the Palestinian population has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services. The Court found that the civilian population in Gaza is not being so adequately supplied, reaffirming that Israel is bound to cooperate in good faith with the United Nations, and to facilitate and not to impede relief schemes provided by them, by other international organisations and by third States. The Court emphasised in particular, that Israel is strictly prohibited under international law from using starvation as a method of warfare.
The Court underscored the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing humanitarian relief in Gaza and in supporting the fundamental right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. It rejected Israel’s allegations of illegality and impartiality against UNRWA, including allegations that a significant amount of its employees were affiliated with Hamas.
The Court further reaffirmed Israel’s binding obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and protect all relief and medical personnel and facilities, to respect the prohibition on forcible transfer and on the deportation of Palestinians in and from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to respect the right of Palestinians detained by Israel to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It also reaffirmed Israel’s obligations to ensure full respect for the privileges and immunities of the organisation, its agencies, bodies and officials, and for the inviolability of its premises, which obligations continue to apply in times of armed conflict.
The Court also reaffirmed Israel’s obligation under international human rights law to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the Palestinian population.
The Advisory Opinion has been widely reported in the media, including the BBC, Al Jazeera , Reuters, the Guardian, and RTÉ.
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC acted as legal counsel for the State of Palestine, including in the oral proceedings before the Court on 28 April 2025, available here (beginning at 01:53:57), as reported contemporaneously the media, including the Guardian and Middle East Eye.
Read the full advisory opinion here.