The State of Palestine welcomes the landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice on the “Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations
The State of Palestine welcomes the landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice on the “Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
The Court concluded that Israel has blocked humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip in violation of its obligations as an occupying Power and a member of the United Nations, and in violation of its obligation not to impede the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The Court concluded that the limited aid Israel has allowed in has not alleviated the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip. The. Court recalled that Israel has also violated its obligation to respect the prohibition of use of starvation as a method of war and the forcible transfer and deportations of the Palestinian people and affirmed that Palestinians that have been evacuated should be transferred back to their homes.
The Court rejected Israel’s campaign of lies against UNRWA, that Israel has not substantiated its allegations and that the evidence before it confirms that impartiality and neutrality of UNRWA, and insisted that UNRWA can not be replaced. Israel is prohibited from taking actions against UN, including, UNRWA contrary to its obligations as a Member of the UN, and to respect inviolability of UN premises and not interfere with them. Israel is under an obligation to agree and facilitate relief schemes by UN, including UNRWA, to the Palestinian people. Israel is also obliged to respect the right of Palestinian detainees and allow them access to ICRC.
The Court reaffirmed that Israel enjoys no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and is not entitled to decide unilaterally with respect to the presence and activities of UN, third States and other organizations in occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
This ruling comes in the context of Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people. Notwithstanding the recent declaration of a ceasefire, Israel is still using starvation as a method of war and weaponizing aid.
This ruling makes very clear that Israel must cease these illegal policies and that states have an obligation to bring Israel into compliance with its obligations in this regard. Israel must immediately lift the unlawful ban on UNRWA and allow all other international organizations invited by Palestine to operate freely and safely in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
The State of Palestine calls on Israel, the illegal occupant, all States and the international community at large to uphold their legal obligations and to implement the Court‘s ruling as well as previous rulings. Adhering to these advisory opinions and to international law is the only path towards ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, achieving peace and security in the region and worldwide.