What is the ICJ examining in hearings on Israel's UNRWA ban in Gaza? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Blocking humanitarian aid as a weapon of war
• ICJ hearings on Israel's legal obligations regarding aid to Gaza
• UNICEF and UNRWA's perspectives on the humanitarian crisis
• Severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and essential supplies
• Impact of electricity cuts on water production
• Restrictions on aid trucks entering Gaza
• Functionality of hospitals in Gaza
• Casualty figures, particularly among children
• Allegations against UNRWA and their operational challenges
• International humanitarian law and obligations of parties in conflict

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

• Accusations of Blocking Aid: Palestinian legal representatives accuse Israel of using the blocking of humanitarian supplies as a weapon of war.
• ICJ Hearings: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is examining Israel's legal obligation to ensure and facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza. Israel has refused to participate, citing bias.
• UNICEF's Assessment (Kazem Abu Khalaf):
  • For 58 days (as of the interview), no aid has entered Gaza.
  • The situation is worse than before the ceasefire period.
  • Gazans need everything for survival: water, medicine, equipment, diapers, etc.
  • Gaza is described as a "big graveyard" and the "worst place for children."
  • UNICEF and other agencies are almost out of stock.
  • Access to warehouses in southern Gaza is restricted.
  • Malnutrition screenings indicate a dire need for aid.
  • The electricity cut to the desalination plant in Balah on March 9th affected 1 million people, including 400,000 children, causing an 85% drop in water production.
• Restrictions on Aid Delivery: Aid trucks are waiting at the border but are not allowed in. Food is expiring, and essential medical equipment (CPAP, incubators), water, clothes, diapers, and antibiotics are pending entry.
• Hospital Functionality: Only 20-22 out of 36 hospitals are partially functioning.
• Casualty Figures: Approximately 15,613 children have been killed since October 7th, averaging 27.9 children per day.

UNRWA's Perspective and Operational Challenges

• UNRWA's Assessment (Jonathan Fowler):
  • The idea that there is no shortage of aid is "completely spurious."
  • All aid entries were banned on March 2nd.
  • UNRWA ran out of food last week, and the World Food Program ran out of stocks a few days ago.
  • People are reducing food intake to below survival levels.
  • The claim that there is food available in Gaza is "shocking."
  • A massive hunger crisis is imminent.
• Allegations Against UNRWA: Israel banned UNRWA from operating in Gaza, accusing it of being infiltrated by Hamas.
• UNRWA's Response to Allegations: The claim of mass infiltration is "rhetoric" without evidence and an attempt to tarnish the organization.
• UNRWA's Operations:
  • UNRWA has 12,000 operational staff in Gaza.
  • They provide medical care (15,000 patients daily), distribute food (when available), re-establish wells, and manage sanitation.
  • They are trying to bring children back to learning after two school years out of school.
• Israeli Laws Affecting UNRWA:
  • One law attempts to ban UNRWA operations in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • Another law imposes a "no contact policy," preventing dialogue between Israeli authorities and UNRWA.

ICJ Hearings and International Law

• Hope for ICJ Intervention: There is hope that the ICJ hearings will change the situation on the ground.
• International Humanitarian Law: Previous ICJ rulings underscore that all parties to the conflict, including Israel, must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law at all times.
• Call for Action: The situation requires a global response to ensure aid can flow into Gaza.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The interviews with representatives from UNICEF and UNRWA paint a dire picture of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the alleged blocking of aid and restrictions on humanitarian organizations. The ICJ hearings are seen as a potential avenue for change, with the hope that they will reinforce the obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law and lead to increased aid access for the suffering civilian population. The situation is particularly critical for children, who are facing severe malnutrition, lack of access to essential services, and a high risk of death and injury.