Unrwa ban Norway goes to ICJ over Israel's aid obligations

Norway has said it will seek clarification from the international court of justice (ICJ) about Israel's aid obligations following the Knesset vote banning any cooperation with the UN Palestinian relief agency Unrwa, as world leaders and international organisations voiced fears for aid deliveries to Gaza.

- Patrick Wintour Andrew Roth

Israel will seek to impose the new measures backed by Israeli MPs in a Monday evening vote - including a ban on new visas and work permits for foreign Unrwa staff who must enter via Israel - within 90 days. This means western diplomats have a brief window after the US elections to try to force it to step back.

Sanctions on Israeli government members and reviews of trade ties are also under consideration among some countries if the vote is implemented.

The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, yesterday said there was no alternative to Unrwa for delivering aid to Gaza, and Washington had "real concerns" about the implementation of the laws. Unrwa is the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, including health and education services.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the Israeli parliament's decision to ban Unrwa would have "devastating consequences".