Norway is set to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to increase pressure on the Israeli government after its recent ban on the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.
According to The Guardian, Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, has initiated consultations at the United Nations in New York to draft a resolution for the UN General Assembly.
The resolution would request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) aimed at safeguarding the existence of the UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA.
The proposed resolution, expected to go to a vote next month, has reportedly garnered support from UNRWA and an increasing number of Arab countries.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “the international community cannot accept that the UN, international humanitarian organisations, and states continue to face systematic obstacles when working in Palestine and delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians under occupation.”
“We are therefore requesting the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population, delivered by international organisations, including the UN, and states,” he added.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide additionally warned that the Israeli Knesset’s legislation banning UNRWA’s activities would have “severe consequences for millions of civilians already living in the most dire of circumstances” and “undermines the stability of the entire Middle East.”
The ICJ has previously issued orders directing Israel, as the occupying power, to enhance humanitarian aid access into Gaza.
However, if backed by the UN General Assembly, Norway’s latest request would escalate the legal impasse between Israel and international courts.
Last month, the Israeli Knesset passed a law that will ban UNRWA operations within its territory, set to take effect on 28 January.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has stressed that there is no substitute for the agency in supporting nearly six million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
On Monday, Lazzarini reiterated: “There is no plan B,” calling on the UN to prevent the implementation of Israel’s ban.
The impending prohibition has drawn widespread international condemnation, including from the United States, a close ally of Israel.
