United Nations, Oct 23 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his hope that Israel will adhere to the advisory opinion provided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel's obligations in the occupied Palestinian territory, according to a statement from a UN Spokesperson.

Guterres emphasized that this decision arrives at a crucial time as efforts to enhance humanitarian assistance in Gaza are underway, making the advisory opinion vital to address the dire circumstances faced by the residents of Gaza, as noted by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN chief, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Earlier on the same day, the ICJ, located in The Hague, confirmed that Israel is obligated to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including support from UN agencies.

The court stated, “The State of Israel, as an occupying Power, is required to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law,” in its legally non-binding advisory opinion.

This advisory opinion was the result of a December 2024 request from the UN General Assembly, which sought clarification on Israel's responsibilities as an occupying power under international law, particularly regarding ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and aiding UN operations and other humanitarian groups in the Palestinian territories, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

In December, the UN General Assembly requested the ICJ to opine on Israel's obligations towards UN agencies and other international organizations working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

This request followed the passage of laws by the Israeli Parliament that banned activities by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Israeli soil and any contact with Israeli officials.

The ICJ was also asked to consider Israel's responsibility to permit the unrestricted delivery of essential goods to Palestinian civilians.

Israel has tightened its blockade on Gaza since the onset of its conflict with Hamas two years ago, severely restricting and at times halting the entry of food and other assistance for the 2.1 million residents.

Prior to the implementation of this month's ceasefire agreement, global experts backed by the UN warned that over 640,000 individuals were experiencing catastrophic food insecurity, indicating an “entirely man-made” famine in Gaza City.

Israel has contested the famine declaration, asserting that it is allowing adequate food supplies into the region.