ICJ rules Israel must cooperate with Unrwa and lift Gaza aid blockade

The world's top court on Wednesday ruled that Israel's ban on the UN's main humanitarian provider to Palestinians and its restrictions on aid to Gaza and the occupied West Bank are inconsistent with international law.

The advisory opinion comes six months after hearings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where more than 40 states and international organisations presented evidence mostly arguing that Israel had breached its international legal obligations to facilitate the entry of aid to the Palestinian population under its occupation.

Only the Israel, the US and Hungary disputed the majority opinion, arguing for an interpretation of international humanitarian law in favour of limiting such obligation due to military necessity and Israel's security.