ICJ delivers Advisory Opinion on obligations of Israel in relation to the activities of the United Nations, other international organisations and third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
On 22 October 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered its Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The proceedings arose from a request submitted by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 2024. In the written phase, 45 States and international organisations submitted statements. The Court held public hearings from 28 April 2025 to 2 May 2025, during which 39 States, the UN and three other international organisations presented oral statements.
The Court found that Israel remains the occupying power and is bound by its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. These include ensuring that the civilian population has access to essential supplies of daily life (such as food, water and medical care); facilitating relief operations; and refraining from the use of starvation as a method of warfare. The Court emphasised that Israel, as a UN Member State, is obliged to cooperate with the UN—including by assisting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (“UNRWA”)—and to respect the privileges and immunities of the UN, its entities and personnel.
Although advisory opinions are not legally binding, the Court’s conclusions constitute an authoritative interpretation of the applicable international law.
Members of 3VB acted on behalf of States in these proceedings: Dr Christopher Ward SC, assisted by Ashrutha Rai, acted for the Plurinational State of Bolivia; and Cameron Miles acted for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The Advisory Opinion, summary, and press release are available via the links below:
The BBC’s coverage of the Advisory Opinion is available here.
