Norway seeks ICJ ruling against 'Israel's' ban on UNRWA: The Guardian
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Norwegian officials argue that "Israel's" actions violate international law, including the UN Charter's provisions on the inviolability of UN premises.
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Judges enter the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 23, 2024. (AP)
The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Norway has announced its intention to seek an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion condemning "Israel's" recent legislation banning cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The move comes as international concern grows over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the implications of "Israel's" new laws, which are set to take effect within three months.
Back in October, the Knesset passed two laws prohibiting UNRWA operations in Israeli-occupied territories, citing allegations that UNRWA staff in Gaza were involved in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In response, the UN launched an investigation, resulting in the dismissal of nine UNRWA employees. UNRWA reports that two-thirds of its premises in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, and 243 of its staff members have been killed since the genocide began.
The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who stated, "The international community cannot accept that the UN and humanitarian organizations face systematic obstacles when delivering aid to Palestinians under occupation." Støre called for initiating proceedings to obtain an ICJ ruling to clarify "Israel's" obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
Norway Rallies Support at the UN
Norway's deputy foreign minister, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, is consulting with UN member states to draft a resolution requesting the ICJ advisory opinion. The resolution is expected to be voted on at the UN General Assembly next month and has received growing support from Arab states and UNRWA itself.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the situation as one of the agency's darkest moments. "There is no alternative to UNRWA's services in Gaza," and no plan B, Lazzarini said, warning that the implementation of "Israel's" legislation would devastate millions of civilians already living in dire conditions.
Read more: UNRWA chief urges the world to prevent the agency's 'collapse'
Legal Precedent
Norwegian officials argue that "Israel's" actions violate international law, including the UN Charter's provisions on the inviolability of UN premises. A 2008-09 board of inquiry established that Israeli strikes on UNRWA facilities in Gaza constituted egregious breaches of UN immunity.
"Israel" ultimately compensated the UN $10.4 million for damages.
The UN has repeatedly directed "Israel", as an occupying power to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza. Yet, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. In October, only 37 aid trucks reached Gaza, the lowest number on record, according to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who condemned "Israel's" restrictions as "totally unacceptable."
Read more: 'Israel' halts all commercial food imports to Gaza: Reuters
Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned that the Knesset's legislation would have severe humanitarian consequences and undermine regional stability. "This law not only impacts millions of Palestinians but also threatens the stability of the entire Middle East," he said.
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