UNITED NATIONS — A resolution calling for clarification on Israel’s humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza and the West Bank was approved by the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday. This resolution asks the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an advisory opinion on what obligations Israel has to ensure essential humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians.
The vote, which was supported by 137 countries while 12 opposed it and 22 chose to abstain, was spearheaded by Norway. The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, voted against the proposal. Although resolutions from the General Assembly, comprising 193 members, are not legally enforceable, they serve as significant indicators of global sentiment.
This development follows a July opinion from the ICJ that condemned Israel’s long-standing control over territories it occupied 57 years ago. The court ruled that Israel’s presence in these areas is illegal and urged an immediate end to the occupation and a halt to settlement expansions.
The resolution is also a response to recent Israeli legislation enacted in late October, which is set to come into effect in three months, aiming to restrict the operations of the U.N. agency supporting Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that no other agency within the U.N. framework can fulfill the role of UNRWA. A spokesperson for the U.N. reiterated that, under international law, Israel, as the occupying authority, holds the responsibility for meeting the basic needs of Palestinians should UNRWA be barred from operating in the area.
Norway’s deputy foreign minister, Andreas Kravik, expressed the necessity for the international community to respond to the dire humanitarian situation, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza and widespread acute hunger, bordering on famine. He noted that numerous nations, along with U.N. agencies and humanitarian organizations, are prepared to enhance their relief efforts but face significant challenges due to restricted access to those in need.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, criticized the assembly’s discussions before the vote, claiming it revolved around “recycled nonsense,” arguing that the focus should not solely be on criticizing Israel’s right to defend its citizens.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of Israel adhering to its international legal obligations, as outlined by the ICJ, while voicing concerns regarding Israeli laws affecting UNRWA and other measures that hinder assistance to Palestinians.
Furthermore, it seeks the ICJ’s clarification on specific aspects of its July ruling, particularly regarding what Israel needs to do to “ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population.”