UN court orders Israel to allow aid into Gaza as famine looms

A top United Nations court has unanimously ordered Israel to allowed food and medical aid into Gaza as famine looms over the war-hit state.

The order came from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, where it directed Israel to act “without delay” to allow the “provision… of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.

The ICJ order came amid the clouds of famine casting over Gaza within weeks.

Meanwhile, Israel in its defence called allegations it is blocking aid “wholly unfounded”.

Moreover, the Benjamin Netanyahu-led state also denied allegations of genocide lodged by South Africa and has blamed the UN for disruption in aid distribution.

The court in The Hague was hearing South Africa’s petition seeking an order against Israel to take all measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.

Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Global Initiative issued a warning of developing “catastrophic” situation in Gaza.

It said that all of the 2.2 million people in Gaza were “facing high levels of acute food insecurity” and that famine was projected to hit the north of the territory before the end of May.

In its ruling, the ICJ said Gaza was “no longer facing only a risk of famine” but “famine is setting in” and that, according to UN observers, 31 people, including 27 children, had already died of malnutrition and dehydration.