THE United States defended Israel at the International Court of Justice today, saying it has no obligation to work with the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, even as Gaza’s population faces starvation due to a months-long blockade.

The top UN court is holding a week of hearings on Israel’s responsibilities in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The hearings follow a request from the UN general assembly last year for an advisory opinion on Israel’s conduct in the occupied territories.

Washington argued that Israel had “legitimate concerns” about the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest provider of aid in the beleaguered Gaza Strip.

Following the US, Russia addressed the court and described the work of the agency as “indispensable,” noting that UNRWA is widely supported by the international community and plays a vital role in sustaining Palestinians amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Since March 2, Israel has prevented food, water and medical supplies from entering the besieged enclave. 

UNRWA warned today that food supplies in Gaza are so depleted that some families are eating “whatever they can find.”