Guterres refers the International Justice Resolution on Palestine to the General Assembly
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Thursday that he had referred the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice to the General Assembly, which had requested a fatwa from the court regarding Israel’s obligations in occupied Palestine.
Guterres said in a statement that “it is the responsibility of the General Assembly to decide on any additional action it may wish to take in this regard,” He welcomed the advisory opinion, which affirmed several basic obligations of Israel under international law.
He noted that the court “confirmed that, as an occupying power, Israel has obligations to ensure that the residents of the occupied Palestinian territories have access to the basic necessities of daily life.” When the population is not adequately supplied, as is the case in Gaza, Israel has a responsibility to approve and implement appropriate and impartial relief programmes, including those provided by the United Nations, and must not obstruct them.
He added: “The court affirmed Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and protect all relief workers medical and facilities; Respect the prohibition of forcible transfer and deportation of civilian populations, and the prohibition of the use of hunger as a weapon of war; And respecting the right of protected persons detained by Israel to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It is necessary for the United Nations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza and support the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
He noted that “the court rejected the accusations against UNRWA regarding its lack of impartiality and integrity.” “The Court confirmed once again Israel’s commitment as a member state to cooperate with the United Nations, including UNRWA, with regard to the occupied Palestinian territories.”
Guterres continued, “The Court confirmed that Israel has now become obligated to respect the privileges and immunities of the organization, including its agencies and bodies.” “And its employees,” adding that “the Court once again affirmed the commitment to respect the sanctity of the United Nations headquarters and not to interfere with its property and assets,” stressing that “these obligations continue to apply during periods of armed conflict.”
Guterres strongly urged Israel to "Compliance with its obligations relating to the presence and activities of the United Nations and the activities of other humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory in accordance with the advisory opinion" issued by the International Court of Justice.
He reiterated that “all parties must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, at all times.”
He said that while the United Nations will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the population In the occupied Palestinian territories, the impact of this opinion will be decisive to improve the tragic situation in Gaza.
At the end of the statement, Guterres called for establishing a credible political path towards ending the occupation, leading to a two-state solution, living side by side in peace and security within their recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 borders, in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions. And related agreements.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related
