ICJ ruling condemns Israel's use of starvation, blocks settlement legalization

The Palestinian group Hamas endorsed a pivotal International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on Wednesday, which condemned Israel's restrictions on aid to Gaza. The group stated the ruling legally affirms that Israel's deliberate starvation of Palestinians constitutes genocide and invalidates any attempts to legitimize settlement activities in the occupied territories.

The Legal Condemnation

In its official statement, Hamas emphasized that the world court dismissed Israeli allegations against the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The ICJ simultaneously reaffirmed the critical humanitarian role of UNRWA and other international organizations operating within the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Obligations of the Occupying Power

The court's decision explicitly prohibits using starvation as a method of warfare, a point Hamas highlighted as a direct confirmation of genocidal acts. Furthermore, the ruling stipulates that Israel, as the occupying power, cannot impose its domestic laws in the Palestinian territories, thereby blocking any legal pathway for settlement expansion and reinforcing the principles of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

A Call for International Action

Hamas framed the ICJ's decision as an urgent directive for the global community. The group described it as a clear mandate for immediate action to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and to prevent its politicization. The court found Israel in breach of its obligations under the Geneva Convention, ordering it to facilitate relief operations conducted by third-party states and impartial groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Broader Context

This ICJ advisory opinion was issued in response to a UN General Assembly request from December 2024. Public hearings for the case, held in the spring of 2025, saw participation from 39 countries and several international bodies, including the Arab League and the African Union, underscoring the widespread international concern over the situation.