Top United Nations court orders aid to Gaza

The International Court of Justice on Thursday ordered Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza at more access points. The preliminary measure came as part of the case at the ICJ where South Africa accused Israel of violating the United Nations Genocide Convention during its war against Hamas. Palestinians’ living chaotic conditions in the Gaza Strip have deteriorated during the prolonged conflict, according to the court order. The ICJ ordered Israel to allow the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance.

Is any specific assistance ordered? The measure specifically noted the need for food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, medical supplies, and hygiene and sanitation necessities. The court also ordered Israel to open more channels for aid to enter. Israel is expected to report to the court in about a month to share how the order has been executed. A Gaza humanitarian group posted a video on Thursday night showing several World Food Program flatbed trucks carrying supplies into northern Gaza.

Has Israel commented on the order? Israel does not limit the amount of essential humanitarian aid that enters the Gaza Strip, according to a post by Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lior Haiat. He added that Israel wishes no harm to civilians and will help aid flow into the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea. The spokesman highlighted Hamas’ responsibility for the war, citing the terrorists’ attack on Oct. 7 that included “the rape and torture” of Israeli civilians. Haiat said Hamas terrorists are now using civilians in Gaza as human shields, and Israelis and Palestinians alike would benefit from a future free of Hamas terrorism.

What are the latest humanitarian numbers in Gaza? The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has claimed the Palestinian death toll recently surpassed 32,000. However, the number has not been independently verified and reportedly includes both civilians and soldiers, along with friendly-fire deaths. The World Health Organization last week described northern Gaza as facing famine. Hamas continues to hold over 100 Israeli hostages from its Oct. 7 attacks, Israeli officials have said.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Israel’s response to South Africa’s genocide accusations in the ICJ.