ICJ says Israel must allow UN aid deliveries to Gaza to meet basic needs

The court also says Israel has not substantiated its allegations against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

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An advisory opinion from the UN's top court also said Israel had not substantiated its allegations that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) lacked neutrality or that a significant number of its staff were members of Hamas or other armed groups.

The UN's chief said he hoped Israel would abide by the "very important decision".

But Israel rejected the ICJ's opinion as "political" and insisted it would not co-operate with Unrwa, which it has banned.

The opinion is non-binding, but it carries significant moral and diplomatic weight.