The Palestinian delegate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said the world must make sure that Israel complies with the ruling to allow aid into Gaza. According to delegate Ammar Hijazi, the international community needs to "rise up to the challenge" due to the fact Israel "will not uphold" its responsibilities, as detailed by the ruling, adding other countries should bring Israel "into compliance." https://p.dw.com/p/52RCV Copy link Skip next section ICJ rules: Israel must ensure 'basic needs' of Gaza population 10/22/2025October 22, 2025 ICJ rules: Israel must ensure 'basic needs' of Gaza population The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that Israel must meet the fundamental needs of people in the Gaza Strip, including facilitating the passage of much-needed aid into the enclave. "As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival," said ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa. "The court recalls Israel's obligation not to use starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare." The Israeli government has often refused to work with international aid organizations such as UNRWA, accusing its employees of being sympathizers or even members of the Islamist militant group Hamas. But the panel of 11 judges at the UN's top legal body also found that Israel is yet to substantiate such claims, saying: "The court considers that Israel is under an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities, including UNRWA." Advisory opinions of the ICJ, also known as the World Court, carry legal and political weight, but they are not binding and the court has no power of enforcement.