Israel has delivered a definitive message to the US, stating it will not permit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to resume operations in the Gaza Strip, directly contradicting a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
An Israeli official, quoted by the Kan public broadcaster this morning, categorically declared that UNRWA will “not step foot in Gaza” again. This staunch position was reportedly communicated to the United States "in the hope that the Americans will agree with Israel on this issue."
The official justified the decision by asserting that every UN agency that has operated in the coastal enclave has either "failed in its mission or allowed itself to be controlled by Hamas."
ICJ Rejects Allegations, Cites Obligations
The Israeli stance comes a day after the ICJ, the UN's highest court, issued a stinging advisory opinion, urging Israel to cooperate with UNRWA to facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza. The court concluded that Israel, as the "occupying" power, has a legal obligation to ensure the essential supplies for the Gaza population and must not impede relief efforts, particularly those of UNRWA.
Crucially, the ICJ dismissed Israel's main argument for banning the agency, finding that Israel had not substantiated its allegations that UNRWA had been significantly infiltrated by Hamas or was no longer a neutral organization. The court emphasized UNRWA's "indispensable" role as the only body with the capacity to adequately provide relief in the Strip.
