The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to allow the uncontested supply of aid into Gaza to prevent a famine in the territory.
The court, which is the United Nations’ highest legal arm, made a unanimous decision on Thursday to order the Israeli Government to act “without delay”.
Judges said that the action was needed as Gaza residents face worsening conditions with a threat of famine and starvation.
A statement began: “The court observes that Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine but that famine is setting in.
“At least 31 people, including 27 children, have already died of malnutrition and dehydration according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
UN judges voted after the notion was brought forward by South Africa’s delegation.
The court’s ruling is a legally binding order to force Israel into action, although the UN does not have any strongarm method of enforcing it.
Thursday’s judgement compelled Israel’s government to take “all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.
This includes the delivery of food, water, fuel and medical supplies.
Ireland’s deputy premier Michael Martin appealed to Israel “to show humanity” and allow more aid into Gaza amid a “catastrophic” humanitarian situation.
He said: “Nothing can get away from the fact that what would really have an immediate impact is really a proper flow of aid through the land routes.
“It is criminal, it is absolutely a scandal that children are malnourished, that half the population are facing famine, and others in terms of insecurity. There is no need for this.”
Israel has said it is working with the UN to allow provisions into Gaza by land, air and sea - adding it would respect this ruling.
The country has, however, continued to blame Hamas insurgents for the situation - the conflict sparking after the group’s military action on October 7 last year.
At least 32,623 Palestinians have been killed and 75,092 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza, Palestine said on Friday. Volker Türk, the UN's high commissioner for human rights, told the BBC: “[The famine] is a result of Israel's extensive restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods, displacement of most of the population, as well as the destruction of crucial civilian infrastructure.”
