Clear Support for UN Resolution on Emergency Aid to Palestine

Press release | Date: 12/12/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Today, 139 countries voted in favour of a UN resolution expressing full support for the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

- I am very pleased with the support the resolution received. It shows that countries from all regions and with diverse political positions are now uniting around fundamental humanitarian principles and respect for international law. This is a clear call to action for both those engaged in conflict and for the international community at a time when humanitarian principles are under severe pressure in Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The advisory opinion issued by the Court in October made it clear that Israel has obligations under international law to ensure that Palestinians living under occupation receive emergency assistance and other forms of aid. Norway has now, together with a group of countries, put forward a resolution in the UN General Assembly that follows up on the advisory opinion. The resolution expresses support for the Court and demonstrates that countries stand behind the right to life-saving emergency aid and other assistance to the population in Palestine.

The Situation on the Ground in Palestine

After two years of a war that has claimed 70,000 Palestinian lives and left Gaza in ruins, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire that entered into force on 10 October. The agreement is in line with the United States' 20-point plan for peace.

- The ceasefire has now lasted for two months, and it is urgent to move forward with the implementation of phase two of the peace plan. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely serious, and Israel continues to carry out strikes in Gaza. Developments in the West Bank are also dramatic, with an increase in settler violence and strict movement restrictions. I hope this resolution will help secure humanitarian access and other assistance to Palestine, said Eide.

Norway, together with other countries, the UN, and humanitarian organizations, will now work to ensure that the Court's recommendations are translated into action.