Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice 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 General Assembly,
Guided by the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the inalienable right of self-determination of peoples and the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, including those adopted at its tenth emergency special session, as well as all relevant resolutions of the Security Council,
Recalling all relevant advisory opinions and orders of the International Court of Justice,
Recalling its decision A/80/506 endorsing the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,
Stressing the obligation of all Member States to fulfill in good faith the obligations assumed under the Charter of the United Nations,
Expressing grave concern at the dire situation of Palestine refugees in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and noting that Israel’s complete blocking of aid into Gaza from 2 March 2025 led to a further deterioration of humanitarian conditions,
Recognizing efforts undertaken by the Palestinian Authority, with international support, to reform and strengthen its institutions despite obstacles posed by the ongoing occupation,
Recalling that Israel is not entitled to sovereignty over any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory by virtue of its occupation,
Emphasizing that respect for the International Court of Justice and its advisory jurisdiction is essential to an international order based on the rule of law,
Recalling resolution 79/232 of 19 December 2024 requesting an additional advisory opinion from the Court pursuant to Article 96 of the UN Charter,
Commending the Court for accelerating its procedure and rendering its advisory opinion on 22 October 2025,
Having received the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which found inter alia that Israel:
As an occupying Power, must ensure the provision of essential supplies, facilitate humanitarian relief, protect relief personnel, respect prohibitions on forcible transfer and starvation, and allow ICRC access to detainees;
Has obligations under international human rights law toward the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
Must cooperate in good faith with the United Nations, including UNRWA;
Must respect UN privileges, immunities, and the inviolability of UN premises;
Welcoming the ceasefire announced on 29 September 2025 and endorsed on 13 October 2025, and the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye,
1. Welcomes the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 22 October 2025;
2. Expresses grave concern over the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip;
3. Affirms that Israel, as the occupying Power:
a. Must administer the territory for the benefit of the local population;
b. Must ensure provision of food, water, shelter, and medical care;
c. Has an unconditional obligation to facilitate humanitarian relief;
d. Must not impede UNRWA or other international humanitarian actors;
e. Must ensure fair and non-discriminatory distribution of aid;
f. Remains responsible for essential supplies regardless of relief schemes;
g. Must not restrict UN activities in a manner that creates conditions forcing population displacement;
4. Affirms further that Israel, as a UN Member State:
a. Must cooperate in good faith with the United Nations;
b. May not unilaterally decide on the presence of UN entities;
c. May not revoke UN privileges or immunities;
d. Must address allegations through established legal mechanisms;
e. Must not impede UN operations supporting Palestinian self-determination;
5. Demands that Israel comply without delay with its legal obligations, including by:
a. Cooperating fully with the United Nations;
b. Allowing immediate humanitarian assistance, including through UNRWA;
c. Respecting UN privileges, immunities, and premises;
d. Respecting prohibitions on forcible transfer and starvation;
e. Protecting relief and medical personnel;
f. Allowing ICRC access to detainees;
g. Respecting human rights obligations;
6. Urges all States and international organizations to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and assist in implementing the advisory opinion;
7. Reaffirms the permanent responsibility of the United Nations regarding the question of Palestine;
8. Expresses appreciation to the Secretary-General and UN agencies for humanitarian assistance efforts.
Source: “Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly at its 80th session,” United Nations.