NYN | News
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague issued a ruling on Wednesday evening, unanimously affirming that Israel bears full legal responsibility as an occupying power and must immediately cease applying its laws within the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Court stated that Israel is obligated to refrain from imposing its legislation or civil administration on occupied lands, deeming such actions a clear violation of international law and of United Nations resolutions that affirm the illegality of any measures aimed at altering the legal status of those territories.
The ruling emphasized that Israel, as an occupying authority, is legally bound to fulfill all its obligations toward the Palestinian population, including ensuring respect for their human rights and providing essential needs such as food, water, medicine, and shelter.
In a notable declaration, the Court unanimously reaffirmed the prohibition on the use of starvation as a method of warfare, stating that Israeli practices in the Gaza Strip constitute a clear violation of this fundamental humanitarian principle, as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.
The Court further called on Israel to facilitate all humanitarian relief operations for the civilian population in the occupied territories, and to fully cooperate with the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), ensuring that aid reaches those in need without obstruction.
It also affirmed that Israel has not ensured the delivery of essential life-sustaining supplies to Gaza’s population, making it responsible for violating its international obligations toward civilians during armed conflict.
Additionally, the ICJ ruled that Israel must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit all persons detained in the occupied Palestinian territories and to ensure they are treated according to international standards. The Court stressed that blocking such visits or concealing the fate of detainees constitutes a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The judgment concluded by stressing that Israel must cooperate in good faith with the United Nations and its various bodies, and provide all necessary support to humanitarian organizations operating in the Palestinian territories, in line with its legal obligations as an occupying power. The Court warned that continued violations could lead to broader international accountability and future legal proceedings against Israeli officials.
This historic decision by the International Court of Justice reinforces the principle of legal accountability, placing the international community before its responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians and support humanitarian institutions operating on the ground.
