On Tuesday, Norway announced its intent to seek an International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion on Israel’s obligations to facilitate humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Norway stated that it would introduce a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to request an ICJ advisory opinion regarding Israel’s duty to allow international aid, whether from UN agencies or other nations, to reach Palestinian territories.
This move follows Israel’s Monday decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. Norway highlighted the step as a response to Israel’s recent restrictions on UN agencies and other humanitarian groups providing aid.
The Israeli Knesset’s recent legislation prohibits UNRWA activities in Israel, sparking international backlash. UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma condemned the ban, describing it as “disgraceful” and warned that, if implemented, it could severely impact humanitarian operations, especially in Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
Touma emphasized that UNRWA serves as the primary provider of shelter, food, and primary healthcare in Gaza, stressing that restricting its work could create “a humanitarian catastrophe” in the region.
