GENEVA: The United Nations Secretary-General has welcomed the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which reaffirmed Israel’s obligations under international law concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
In a statement released by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General urged Israel to comply fully with the Advisory Opinion, particularly regarding the presence and operations of the United Nations and other humanitarian actors in the region.
He emphasized that all parties must respect their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, at all times.
The Secretary-General announced that the Advisory Opinion will be transmitted promptly to the UN General Assembly, which had requested the Court’s advice. Any subsequent action will be determined by the General Assembly.
“The United Nations will continue to provide humanitarian relief to the population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the statement read, highlighting that the ICJ’s guidance could have a decisive impact in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Reiterating the UN’s longstanding position, the Secretary-General called for the establishment of a credible political path to end the occupation and achieve a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security within recognized borders based on pre-1967 lines, and Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
