Research Guides: Palestine: Intergovernmental Organizations

United Nations

The United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL)
UNISPAL is the world’s largest online repository of documents on the question of Palestine. It was established and is maintained by the Division for Palestinian Rights in response to successive General Assembly mandates. The main collection contains the texts of current and historical United Nations material concerning the question of Palestine and other issues related to the Middle East situation and the search for peace.
United Nations: Historical Timeline - On The Question of Palestine
Historical summary of the Question of Palestine (1885 - 2024)

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has played a pivotal role in addressing the complex and contentious issues surrounding the question of Palestine throughout history. As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the ICJ has been involved in several key cases that touch on the legality of actions and policies affecting the occupied Palestinian territory.

Throughout its history, the ICJ’s involvement in the Palestinian question has served to affirm and clarify the application of international law, contributing to the global discourse on rights, sovereignty, and legal responsibilities in conflict situations.

Below are selected cases, and more can be found here.

Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)

Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

State of Palestine

Crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court that are alleged to have been committed in the State of Palestine since 13 June 2014 to present. The territorial scope of this jurisdiction extends to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

World Bank

The Gaza Strip Interim Damage Assessment Report (March 29, 2024)

The Gaza Strip Interim Damage Assessment was conducted by the World Bank, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN). The report used remote data collection sources to measure damage to physical infrastructure incurred between October 2023 to the end of January 2024. The report finds the cost of damage to critical infrastructure in Gaza is estimated at around $18.5 billion (USD) in critical sectors (including Housing, Commerce, Agriculture, Health, Education, etc.). The report also looks at the impact on the people of Gaza. More than half the population of Gaza is on the brink of famine and the entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Figures related to the casualties and human impact are current to March 14, 2024.

Select the report above for the full-text or read a short press release.