Israel must be held accountable for its crimes

The ICJ held its second day of hearings, examining, over five days, Israel’s legal responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank. The first session took place on Monday, April 28.

According to reports, a panel of 15 judges will hear testimony from at least 40 countries and organizations. The purpose of these proceedings is to provide an advisory opinion on Israel’s humanitarian obligations toward Palestinians.

The hearings began as the blockade and complete prevention of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip entered its 51st day.

In 2023, the UN General Assembly referred the issue to the ICJ after Israel obstructed the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in territories under its control.

These hearings are distinct from the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel at the ICJ.

In January 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide by ensuring humanitarian access. However, the UN reported that Israel has not allowed any aid into Gaza since March 2, exacerbating the risk of famine in the region.

South Africa: Israel blatantly violates international covenants and laws

The representative of South Africa at the Tuesday, April 29, ICJ session emphasized that the Gaza Strip has become a catastrophe for its residents, and Israel must be held accountable for the crimes it has committed.

The representative stated that Israel has deliberately pressured UNRWA to make life more difficult for Palestinians.

South Africa’s delegation at The Hague asserted that Israel intentionally obstructs the delivery of any humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The delegation further emphasized that, despite its status as an occupying power, Israel blatantly violates the provisions of international covenants and laws.

South Africa’s representatives stressed that Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem remain under occupation and are subject to laws governing occupied territories.

Algeria’s representative: Israel’s actions violate all international laws

Algeria’s representative, speaking at the ICJ, stated: “Israel pursues a policy aimed at obstructing UNRWA’s work and exacerbating human rights violations in Gaza. As an occupying power, Israel has no right to halt the operations of humanitarian organizations in Gaza and the West Bank.”

The representative added: “Israel is obligated to facilitate UNRWA’s activities in Palestinian territories. Israel’s actions against humanitarian organizations in the occupied territories violate all international laws.”

Algeria’s representative stressed: “Ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza is an obligation for Israel as an occupying power. We must see decisions that compel Israel to end the suffering of Palestinians. UNRWA protects over 8 million people.”

Saudi Arabia’s representative: Blocking aid to Gaza violates international conventions

Saudi Arabia’s representative at the ICJ stated: “Israel considers itself above all laws and refuses to accept the Court’s advisory opinion to halt its aggression in Gaza. Israel has blockaded Gaza without justification, and this brutality against civilians in Gaza is indefensible.” 

The representative continued: “Israel ignores international calls to stop the war on Gaza, worsens the situation there, and turns Gaza into a graveyard for thousands of innocents. Israel must facilitate the operations of humanitarian organizations, particularly UNRWA, in Gaza and the West Bank. Blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza violates all international conventions.” 

Saudi Arabia’s representative noted: “The International Commission of Inquiry rejected Israel’s claims against UNRWA, and its work must be facilitated. As an occupying power, Israel must adhere to international laws that obligate it to meet the basic needs of Palestinians.” 

The representative emphasized: “Israel must protect the fundamental rights of Palestinians, including healthcare and education. I call for the immunity of employees of humanitarian agencies and organizations in the occupied Palestinian territories to protect them from Israeli attacks.”