ICJ Gaza Ruling Reignites Debate Over UNRWA’s Future
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians. This landmark decision raises urgent questions about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Gaza’s largest aid provider, which faces crippling funding suspensions and Israeli restrictions.
Can UNRWA resume full operations amid Gaza’s deepening crisis?
How the ICJ Ruling Impacts UNRWA
The ICJ stopped short of demanding a ceasefire but mandated Israel to allow humanitarian assistance. Though the ruling didn’t name UNRWA directly, its call for aid access intensifies pressure on Israel and donor nations to support the agency.
UNRWA supports 2.3 million Gazans with food, healthcare, and shelter, but its operations plunged into crisis after Israel accused 12 employees of ties to Hamas’ October 7 attacks. Major donors—including the U.S. and Germany—paused funding, threatening collapse.
Funding Freezes and Access Barriers
The ICJ ruling may push donors to rethink suspensions. Canada and Sweden have already restored funding, while the EU awaits audit results before releasing aid. However, even with money, UNRWA’s operations hinge on Israel’s cooperation.
Israel, which has long accused UNRWA of perpetuating conflict, restricts aid trucks and blocks staff movements. Compliance with the ICJ order could ease these barriers—but political resistance remains high.
Is There a Viable Alternative to UNRWA?
Some propose replacing UNRWA with groups like the World Food Programme (WFP), but no organization matches its local networks or scale. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas oppose dismantling the agency, calling it essential for refugee survival.
Without UNRWA, Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe—already marked by starvation, disease, and mass displacement—would accelerate.
Gaza’s Crisis Deepens as Aid Stalls
Over 26,000 Palestinians have been killed, and 85% are displaced. UNRWA shelters, overcrowded and undersupplied, struggle to meet needs. Delayed aid risks multiplying deaths from hunger and illness beyond war casualties.
Key Steps for UNRWA’s Survival
- Donor Support: Major nations must resume funding to avert total collapse.
- Access Guarantees: Israel must permit unimpeded aid delivery per ICJ orders.
- Accountability: UNRWA must transparently address misconduct allegations.
The coming weeks will determine whether Gaza faces further catastrophe or a lifeline.
