A diplomat representing Palestine has informed the United Nations’ top court that Israel is “starving, killing and displacing” civilians while also targeting aid workers in Gaza.
Israel refutes claims of intentionally targeting civilians and aid personnel and did not attend the hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday.
In The Hague, the Palestinian ambassador to the Netherlands, Ammar Hijazi, accused Israel of violating international law in the occupied territories.
He stated: “Israel is starving, killing and displacing Palestinians, while also targeting and obstructing humanitarian organizations working to save their lives.”
Ammar Hijazi, right. Pic: AP
A protester outside the International Court of Justice on Monday. Pic: AP
The hearings focus on a request made last year by the UN General Assembly for the court to evaluate Israel’s legal responsibilities following the blockage of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees from operating on its territory.
In a resolution sponsored by Norway, the General Assembly sought an advisory opinion, which, while non-binding, holds legal significance regarding Israel’s obligations in occupied territories to “ensure and facilitate the clear provision of vital supplies necessary for the survival of the Palestinian civilian population.”
Pic: AP
While Israel was absent from the court, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated at a news conference in Jerusalem: “I hold UNRWA, the UN, the secretary-general, and all those who weaponize international law accountable for infringing upon the fundamental right of Israel to defend itself.”
Forty countries and four international organizations are set to participate in the ICJ hearings, which may take months before a ruling is issued.
Pic: AP
The hearings coincide with a near collapse of the humanitarian aid system in Gaza.
Since March 2, Israel has restricted the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies.
The World Food Programme reported last week that its food stocks in the Gaza Strip have completely depleted.
Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, in Beit Lahiya. Pic: Reuters
Israel resumed its bombardment on March 18, breaking a ceasefire and seizing large areas of the territory, claiming it aims to compel Hamas to release additional hostages.
Overnight into Monday, local health officials reported that at least 27 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes.
An airstrike targeted a home in Beit Lahia, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals, including a Palestinian prisoner, Abdel-Fattah Abu Mahadi, who had been released as part of the ceasefire.
His wife, two of their children, and a grandchild also lost their lives, according to Indonesia Hospital, which received the bodies.
An Israeli air strike hit a home in Beit Lahia, killing 10 people. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
Another airstrike targeted a residence in Gaza City, resulting in seven fatalities, according to the Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency service.
Additionally, late on Sunday, a strike hit a house in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 10 individuals, including five siblings as young as four years old, as reported by the health ministry.
Two other children were also killed alongside their parents, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies.
No immediate comments have been made by the Israeli military.
Israel maintains that it makes every effort to avoid civilian casualties and blames Hamas for these deaths, arguing that militants operate in densely populated regions.
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Israel’s prohibition on UNRWA went into effect in January.
The organization has faced growing criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who accuse it of being heavily influenced by Hamas, a claim that UNRWA denies.
Amir Weissbrod, an official from the foreign ministry, presented Israel’s argument against UNRWA on Monday.
He accused the organization of inaction prior to the conflict in light of evidence that Hamas had utilized its facilities, including tunnels constructed beneath them.
The official claimed that UNRWA employed 1,400 Palestinians with links to militant groups.
Israel alleged that some of these employees participated in Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, and that at least three of them are still allegedly working for the UN.
The presentation included videos, documents, and images of the purported employees.
The attack on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and triggered the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which the territory’s health ministry reports has claimed over 52,000 lives.
UNRWA stated that it terminated nine employees after an internal UN investigation found they may have been involved, although the evidence was unverified and uncorroborated.
The ban does not directly impact Gaza, but UNRWA is restricted from operating within Israel, hindering the agency’s functions.
Israeli officials assert they are exploring alternative methods to deliver aid to Gaza, aiming to exclude the UN.