The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution on December 20, 2024, asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to define Israel’s obligations to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank. The move follows growing concerns about humanitarian access and the survival of Palestinian civilians under Israeli occupation.

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• Resolution adopted by 137-12 votes, with 22 abstentions; U.S. and Israel voted against.
• Sponsored by Norway, the resolution seeks ICJ’s advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations under international law.
• Resolution expresses concern about Israeli laws banning the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in occupied territories.
• ICJ previously condemned Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as unlawful in a July 2024 opinion.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized Israel’s responsibility to meet Palestinians’ basic needs if UNRWA is banned.
• Norway highlighted dire conditions in Gaza, with acute hunger and near-famine affecting most of the population.
• Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution as an attack on Israel’s right to defend itself.
• Resolution demands Israel ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.
• Humanitarian efforts hindered by lack of access despite international readiness to help.
• Resolution not legally binding but reflects global concern over Israel’s actions in occupied territories.