Russia on Wednesday advised the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel‘s actions within the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) are resulting in a “crisis of legality and humanity,” as public hearings on Israeli obligations continued for a 3rd day.
“Today, we confront the crisis of legality and humanity in light of systematic undermining of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by Israel and its negligence towards the overall obligations under international law, including those stemming from the status of Israel as an occupying power,” mentioned Maksim Musikhin, talking on behalf of Moscow.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Gaza balances on the brink of famine. Hospitals lie in ruins.”
Musikhin warned that with Israel’s complete blockade since March 2 and resumed army operations, Gaza continues to endure devastating destruction and a “humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented scale.”
He additionally raised issues over Israel’s renewed army operation launched within the West Bank on Jan. 21, warning that it “risks repeating a terrible Gaza scenario.”
Russia reaffirmed its assist for the UNRWA, calling the company’s function “crucial” and saying “its work is strongly supported by the vast majority of the international community.”
“Without UNRWA, Gaza’s humanitarian system will collapse,” he warned.
Russia argued that “Israel as the occupying power is bound by the (international humanitarian law) IHL, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and The Hague regulations.”
“None of that is happening today,” Russia advised the courtroom, accusing Israel of failing to satisfy its obligations to make sure and keep meals, well being, and hygiene providers.
“Israeli laws on the prohibition of the UNRWA’s activities violate actual norms and principles,” Musikhin mentioned, urging the courtroom to let its opinion “be a beacon of hope” and a reaffirmation of worldwide legislation.
GAZA AID RESTRICTIONS MUST BE LIFTED
France’s consultant Diego Colas, for his half, urged Israel to instantly carry restrictions on humanitarian assist to Gaza and cooperate with worldwide companions.
“Humanitarian aid must reach Gaza at scale. Restrictions to its access must be lifted without delay,” mentioned Colas, calling for all crossing factors to be opened and humanitarian employees protected “in compliance with international law.”
He emphasised {that a} two-state resolution stays “the only solution capable of guaranteeing peace and security in the long term for Israelis and Palestinians.”
Citing 2024 provisional measures of the courtroom, Colas mentioned Israel is “under an obligation to provide full assistance to the action of the agency (UNRWA)” and should not impede its actions.
He added that Israel should authorize and facilitate UNRWA operations and defend assist employees in step with its duties as an occupying energy.
“To conclude, France reiterates its appeal to the Israeli authorities to put an end to the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Colas mentioned, urging cooperation with worldwide companions, together with the UN, to make sure pressing entry and safety for assist operations throughout Gaza and the occupied territories.
‘NO COUNTRY ABOVE INTERNATIONAL LAW’
Indonesia mentioned, through the public hearings, that Israel’s actions within the occupied Palestinian territory defy worldwide legislation and have made it unattainable for Palestinians to train their fundamental rights, together with the precise to self-determination.
“Indonesia clearly expresses that no country should be above the law,” mentioned Foreign Minister Sugiono.
“Israel has consistently imposed its nefarious policies and measures in the occupied Palestinian territory in utter disrespect to international law.”
Sugiono argued that Israel’s continued presence within the territory and the coercive setting it has created have stripped Palestinians of their potential to find out their political, social, and cultural future.
He burdened the ICJ proceedings should not simply political or ethical in nature however rooted in authorized obligations.
“It becomes evidently clear that Israel does not fulfill this obligation (relief schemes),” Sugiono mentioned, blaming Israel for enjoying “a pivotal part in the unfolding of the biggest humanitarian catastrophe of this decade, if not this century.”
He condemned the destruction of civilian infrastructure and hospitals in Gaza, saying it actively prevents Palestinians from figuring out their very own future.
“Indonesia unwaveringly submits to the court that Israel shall be under the obligation to fulfill the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” he mentioned.
“This court opinion will provide much-needed guidance to the international community on how to reinforce the primacy of international law to solve the worst man-made humanitarian catastrophe of the century.”
OCCUPYING POWER MUST SUPPORT HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS
Tobias Schell, talking on behalf of Luxembourg, advised the courtroom that Israel is obligated underneath worldwide legislation to facilitate the work of UN companies, together with UNRWA, within the occupied Palestinian territory, and should actively assist their humanitarian efforts.
“Israel is bound pursuant to the right to self-determination enjoyed by the Palestinian people,” mentioned Schell. “Israel is therefore bound to take measures, aiming at reducing this dependence, in particular by authorizing and facilitating the provision of essential goods and services by the United Nations.”
He mentioned UNRWA’s function is “vital” and “irreplaceable,” emphasizing that because the occupying energy, Israel should “enable and facilitate unimpeded access of United Nations agencies, including UNRWA, to humanitarian aid, in accordance with Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
Schell mentioned the occupying energy has an obligation not solely to chorus from obstructing UN operations however to “actively support them.” He added that Israel “must allow, facilitate and protect the presence and activities of the UN and its bodies, in particular, by respecting applicable immunities.”
“UNRWA, recognized by the international community as being irreplaceable, must be fully protected,” he mentioned, urging the courtroom to strengthen the authorized obligations of the occupying energy and the safety of worldwide humanitarian operations.
The Israeli military renewed its assault on Gaza on March 18, shattering a Jan. 19 ceasefire and prisoner alternate settlement with Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Nearly 52,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them girls and youngsters.
Source: www.anews.com.tr