The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued a non-binding advisory opinion regarding Israel's obligations to allow the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which include Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Israel has dismissed this opinion, arguing that it reflects political manipulation and a failure by the UN to acknowledge the infiltration of terrorists within UNRWA.

Israel maintains that it continues to facilitate significant amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza and asserts that it has not violated its legal obligations. The country’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that the focus should be on aid delivery rather than UN political maneuvering.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has faced criticism for its perceived bias against Israel, particularly during a session in December 2022, where representatives condemned Israel's military actions against Hamas. They also opposed Israel's restrictions on UNRWA operations, despite evidence that some UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 attacks against Israel.

The ICJ's advisory opinion, issued ten months after the UNGA's request, stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove UNRWA's lack of neutrality and asserted that Israel is obligated to cooperate with the agency. Israel has categorically rejected this conclusion, viewing it as part of a broader campaign against the country.

Despite the ICJ's non-binding nature of the opinion, Israel argues that it reflects ongoing lawfare against the state. The country has facilitated over two million tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza since late 2023, coordinating efforts with international organizations and NGOs.

In response to the advisory opinion, Israel's Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to continue these humanitarian efforts. The ministry pointed out that the ICJ's process is flawed and does not align with the realities on the ground, where Israel has increased aid deliveries.

Since January 2025, more than 25,200 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies have entered Gaza. Key crossings were reopened in May, allowing for an additional 10,000 trucks to enter by August. Israel's participation in a ceasefire, effective October 10, further counters claims that it is obstructing humanitarian relief efforts.

Israel argues that international law supports its right to defend itself against Hamas, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. The country has long warned that UNRWA has been compromised by terrorist infiltration, with estimates suggesting that up to 25% of its employees may belong to such groups.

The UN's inability to address these security concerns has led to calls for a reassessment of its role in the region. However, there is skepticism that the UN will acknowledge its shortcomings in facilitating peace and security in the area anytime soon.