ICJ rules Israel must cooperate with Unrwa and lift Gaza aid blockade

The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel's ban on the UN's main humanitarian provider, UNRWA, and its restrictions on aid to Gaza are inconsistent with international law. In its advisory opinion, the court affirmed that Israel has an unconditional obligation as an occupying power to ensure Palestinians receive essential supplies and to facilitate all relief schemes. The ruling specifies that security cannot be used as a reason to justify a general suspension of humanitarian activities. The court also stated that Israel must prevent the use of starvation as a method of war and allow the Red Cross to visit Palestinian detainees.