Israel’s Controversial Aid Restrictions in Gaza: A Breach of International Law?
In a recent interview held in Brussels, Natalie Boucly, the deputy commissioner general of UNRWA, emphasized the urgent need for the global community, particularly the EU and the US, to amplify pressure on Israel’s government. This is crucial to facilitate the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the situation is dire.
Boucly revealed that UNRWA possesses sufficient supplies, including food, tents, and other essentials, capable of filling up to 6,000 trucks. She stated, “As winter approaches and famine continues to grip the population, it is critical that all this aid is allowed into Gaza without delay. Our supplies would be able to provide food for the entire population for about three months. And that is sitting outside [in Jordan and Egypt], not able to come in.”
She further explained that these challenges are not unique to UNRWA, as other UN agencies face similar restrictions and constraints. Boucly estimated that only about half of the necessary daily truckloads, which range between 500-600, are currently making it into the beleaguered territory.
During the interview, Boucly raised significant concerns regarding Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian laws. She stated that Israel, as an occupying power, “is not abiding by international humanitarian law and international human rights law.” She referenced the Fourth Geneva Convention and a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which asserted that Israel is obligated to ensure that the people in the occupied Palestinian territory have access to “the essential supplies of daily life.”
The ICJ’s ruling, issued on October 22, also determined that Israel is required to cooperate with UNRWA. Notably, the court found no evidence to support claims that UNRWA lacked neutrality or that a significant number of its employees were affiliated with Hamas, allegations frequently asserted by the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following accusations of Hamas infiltration and misuse of its facilities, Israel severed diplomatic relations with UNRWA. Boucly noted that while nine UNRWA employees had been dismissed due to possible involvement in the October 7 attacks, Israel’s broader allegations were not substantiated by the court.
Boucly expressed concern about the lack of communication from Israel regarding a potential change in its no-contact policy with her agency. She emphasized the critical role that UNRWA plays in the region, stating, “It is not the time for UNRWA to collapse. We are irreplaceable because nobody can pick up the slack.”
UNRWA was established in 1948 to support the 700,000 Palestinian refugees displaced during the conflict surrounding the founding of the state of Israel. Initially intended to be a temporary measure, UNRWA has evolved into a crucial provider of health, education, social welfare, and other essential services for the 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees living in the occupied Palestinian territories and neighboring countries.
Key Points Highlighted by Boucly:
- UNRWA has enough supplies to fill up to 6,000 trucks for aid distribution.
- Only about half of the required daily truckloads are reaching Gaza.
- Israel is not complying with international humanitarian law.
- The ICJ concluded that Israel must cooperate with UNRWA.
- UNRWA provides vital services to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.
In conclusion, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is urgent, and the need for increased international pressure on Israel is paramount to facilitate the flow of aid. As winter approaches, the consequences of inaction could be devastating for the already vulnerable population.
