UN Backs ICJ Ruling: No Proof UNRWA Is Infiltrated by Hamas; Israel Dissents

The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) assessment that allegations concerning Hamas infiltration of UNRWA are unsubstantiated. The vote, held Friday, was hailed by the head of UNRWA as a powerful affirmation of the agency's neutrality.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, stated on X that the General Assembly's vote offered “a strong endorsement to the ruling by the International Court of Justice that claims about UNRWA being infiltrated by Hamas are not substantiated, nor are allegations that UNRWA is not a neutral organization.” He added that the vote signifies crucial support for UNRWA from the vast majority of the international community.

Lazzarini, referencing the ICJ, emphasized UNRWA's role as “the key humanitarian actor in the occupied Palestinian territory.” He urged member states to bolster their support for UNRWA's operations in Gaza and to expand the agency's provision of essential public health and education services.

The ICJ's recent non-binding advisory opinion also asserted Israel's legal obligation to permit UNRWA to deliver humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Furthermore, the ICJ stated that the aid provided to the Gaza Strip during the ongoing conflict has been insufficient.

Lazzarini and other UN officials have consistently promoted UNRWA as a vital component of the humanitarian response in Gaza. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. both Israel and the Trump administration have previously accused the agency of having links to Hamas, allegations that UNRWA has strongly denied. Israel has presented evidence alleging the involvement of UNRWA employees in the October 7, 2023, attacks, including accusations of hostage taking and guarding.