Strong UN support for Norwegian-led resolution on humanitarian access in Palestine

Today, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an advisory opinion to clarify the following: What are Israel’s obligations to ensure and facilitate the provision of life-saving assistance and basic services by the UN, international organisations and third states to Palestinians living under occupation? The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the backbone of these humanitarian efforts. 137 countries voted in favour of the resolution, which was put forward by Norway on behalf of a core group of 13 countries.  

‘Millions of Palestinians are completely dependent on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for access to food and basic services such as education and health care. If UNRWA is forced to discontinue activities in Palestine, some 330 000 children and young people will lose their opportunity to go to school. People who are already deeply affected by war and conflict may lose all hope for the future. This could make the Middle East an even more dangerous place,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.  

The UN resolution is a response to the catastrophic situation in the Middle East and Israel’s lack of willingness to ensure and facilitate the provision, by the international community, of life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic services to Palestinians living under occupation. This was made blatantly clear in October this year when the Knesset (Israeli parliament) passed legislation that in practice will make it impossible for UNRWA to carry out its work. The two laws are scheduled to come into effect in January 2025, and have been widely criticised internationally. 

‘We are very pleased that this important resolution has received the support of a clear majority in the UN General Assembly. A number of countries from all regions, gave their support to the resolution, to protect the UN, fundamental humanitarian principles and the rights of the Palestinians. We have greatest impact when we stand together,’ said Mr Støre. 

An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice will clarify Israel’s obligations under international law to ensure and facilitate the work of the UN, international organisations and third states in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic services to the Palestinian civilian population. 

‘We believe that Israel’s illegal occupation and actions to obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance are undermining peace and stability in the Middle East. No country is above international law. And Israel has no right to expel UN organisations from Palestinian territory that it is occupying illegally. While we await the Court's advisory opinion, Norway and other countries will work to promote universal respect for international law, under all circumstances’ said Mr Eide.