Thursday briefing: While the ceasefire holds, Gaza continues to starve

The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel is obligated to ensure the basic needs of the population in Gaza and the West Bank, including the provision of aid through UN humanitarian agencies. The court found that Israel had failed to provide evidence for its claims that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) lacked neutrality or was connected to Hamas. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has allowed for increased aid deliveries to Gaza, but they remain below the daily target of 2,000 tonnes. The World Food Programme reported that only two border crossings are currently open, and aid is particularly lacking in essential items such as vegetables, fruits, and meat. The court warned against the use of starvation as a weapon of war. A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared an "entirely man-made" famine in Gaza's largest city and surrounding area.

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