Nigeria, Oct. 23 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel must allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, saying its restrictions over the past two years violate international law.

In a strongly worded advisory opinion delivered in The Hague, the UN's top court said Israel had failed in its obligation as an occupying power to ensure food, water, medical supplies and other essentials reach civilians in Gaza.

On Wednesday, the court said Israel must not obstruct relief work by UN agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which it described as the backbone of humanitarian assistance in the enclave.

It found that Israel had not provided credible evidence to justify cutting ties wi...