The United States has backed Israel's decision to prohibit the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA from operating in Gaza, stating at a World Court hearing in The Hague on Wednesday that Israel cannot be forced to allow the agency's operations. 🏛️

Israel enacted a law last year banning UNRWA, citing allegations that the organization employed members of Hamas who participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. 🇮🇱

The U.N. reported in August that nine UNRWA staff were suspected of involvement in the assault and had been terminated. Israel also confirmed the killing of another Hamas commander, identified by UNRWA as an employee, in Gaza in October. ☠️

In December, the United Nations General Assembly requested the World Court to provide an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to facilitate aid to Palestinians delivered by states and international organizations, including the U.N. 🌍

During the third day of hearings, the U.S. argued that Israel, as the occupying power, has the right to decide which organizations can provide essential aid to the Palestinian population in the occupied territories. U.S. State Department legal adviser Joshua Simmons emphasized that even impartial humanitarian organizations, including major actors like UNRWA, cannot compel an occupying power to permit their specific relief operations. 🇺🇸

Simmons also highlighted Israel's "serious concerns" regarding UNRWA's impartiality. This stance contrasts with accusations made by U.N. and Palestinian representatives at the start of the hearings on Monday, who alleged that Israel was violating international law by obstructing aid to Gaza. 🇵🇸⚠️

Since March 2, Israel has reportedly halted all supplies to the 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip, and food reserves stockpiled during an earlier ceasefire have nearly been depleted. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the hearings as a "circus," stating that Israel had submitted its position in writing. 🇮🇱🚫🥫

Key Points: 📌

US supports Israel's ban on UNRWA in Gaza.
Israel banned UNRWA following allegations of Hamas involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Nine UNRWA staff were fired over alleged involvement.
Israel reportedly cut off supplies to 2.3 million Gaza residents since March 2.

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