The Hague: Israel must comply with its international obligations and immediately allow unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has become a "living nightmare," Norway told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik emphasized that Israel, as a UN member state, must adhere to its legal responsibilities. He called for the immediate and collaborative effort with the United Nations and other third states to ensure the delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid without delay.

Kravik highlighted that the blockade on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies, which has persisted for over 60 days, continues to tighten even after numerous international appeals for Israel to ease restrictions. He described the blockade as both unconscionable and illegal, urging for its removal and the consistent opening of land crossings.

Kristian Jervell, another representative from Norway, asserted that Israel should not hinder the Palestinian authority and the state of Palestine in their foreign relations with international entities, including the UN and other states. Norway hopes the court's advisory opinion will bolster UN responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territory and support the international community's efforts toward a two-state solution for Palestinians.

Kravik stated that the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has significantly worsened. Since March 2, Israel has closed Gaza's crossings, preventing essential supplies from reaching the region despite reports of famine. The Israeli army's renewed assault on Gaza on March 18 disrupted a previous ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 52,400 Palestinians in Gaza, predominantly women and children, since October 2023.