Why the ICJ is hearing a third advisory opinion against Israel

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearings on Monday into Israel's obligation to ensure aid reaches Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Since March, Israel has blocked all aid from reaching Gaza and no food, water or medicines have reached its 2.3 million residents in the past eight weeks.

The case was prompted by Israel banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) in October 2024, an event that sparked global outrage and calls for Israel to be ejected from the UN due to accusations that it violated the founding UN charter, particularly the privileges and immunities enjoyed by UN agencies. 

The ICJ hearings coincide with Israel continuing its ban on humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip since 2 March (over 50 days) and the intensification of military attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians since the collapse of the ceasefire on 18 March.

Read more: Why the ICJ is hearing a third advisory opinion against Israel