LONDON
Norway announced on Tuesday that it will propose a UN General Assembly resolution requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule on Israel’s obligations regarding the facilitation of aid to Palestinians provided by international organizations, including the UN. This move follows the Israeli parliament’s decision to prohibit the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating, potentially impacting its efforts in Gaza.
Additionally, Norway will ask the ICJ to examine other challenges faced by UN agencies in their aid operations over the past year. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide cautioned that banning the UN agency would further destabilize the Middle East. He asserted that such actions violate Israel’s international legal obligations and hinder the pursuit of a viable Palestinian state and a two-state solution.
Eide emphasized that Norway’s initiative seeks to affirm that no country can evade its responsibilities under international law, noting a worrying trend of leaders undermining humanitarian efforts in crises.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store reinforced that the international community must not tolerate systematic obstacles to UN and humanitarian organizations in Palestine, as this undermines Palestinians’ rights to essential aid. He criticized the Israeli government’s actions, which complicate the delivery of crucial services such as healthcare and education to Palestinians in need.
The Knesset’s decision, he warned, could have severe consequences for millions of Palestinian civilians. Since the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza on October 7, local health authorities report nearly 43,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children, and over 100,000 injuries. The ongoing conflict has left large areas of Gaza devastated, exacerbated by a strict blockade on food, clean water, and medical supplies. Israel is facing accusations of genocide against Palestinians at the ICJ.
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