Doha: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday ruled that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated to facilitate and secure the entry of relief efforts carried out by the United Nations and its agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

According to Qatar News Agency, the panel of 11 judges stated that Israel is obligated to ensure that the basic needs of civilians in the Gaza Strip are met, including essential supplies for their survival.

During a session held in The Hague to issue an advisory opinion defining Israel's obligations regarding aid, ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa confirmed that the court had not found evidence to support allegations regarding the lack of impartiality of a significant proportion of UN agency staff in the Gaza Strip.

The decision carries significant legal weight and moral authority, despite being an advisory opinion that is not legally binding. The decision comes after the United Nations asked the court to clarify Israel's obligations, as an occupying power, to ensure and facilitate the provision of urgent supplies necessary for the survival of Palestinians.

The status of UNRWA was a major focus of the week-long hearings last April, in which Israel did not participate.