Top UN court demands Israel to expedite aid to Gaza

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) unanimously ruled that Israel must enable an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to avert an escalating famine crisis.

This decision aligns with a warning from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Global Initiative, stating that Gaza's 2.2 million population faces severe food insecurity.

As reported by BBC News, the ICJ emphasized Israel must act "without delay" to ensure the "provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance."

The court identified the essential aid requirements as food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene products and medical supplies.

In response, Israel refuted allegations of impeding aid, with the Israeli foreign ministry affirming its commitment to "promote new initiatives and to expand existing ones" for aid provision.

The ministry holds Hamas responsible for the situation in Gaza and the initiation of the conflict.

Israel insists on no restrictions on aid into Gaza, despite accusations from the United Nations and international aid groups about impediments because of Israeli military restrictions and ongoing hostilities.

This ruling from the ICJ came after South Africa requested additional measures, including a cease-fire, citing the grave starvation in Gaza.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, recognizing the severity of the situation, hailed the court's decision as "a vital step in the global effort to hold Israel accountable for perpetrating genocide," a charge that Israel vehemently denies.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in extensive casualties and displacement, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Israeli actions have caused over 32,000 Palestinian deaths, many of them women and children, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The ICJ's ruling is critical in addressing the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza.

The international community awaits Israel's compliance with the court's orders, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population amid this escalating crisis.

Source: Newsroom