The Hague: Israel has "obligations as an occupying power," such as protecting medical personnel and facilitating their work, according to the United Nations. The international body emphasized that Israel must adhere to its duties in the occupied territories, focusing on the protection and facilitation of humanitarian efforts.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the United Nations' stance was highlighted in a speech by Eleanor Hummeschul, a representative of UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres. Her remarks were made at the start of a week-long hearing at the International Court of Justice. The hearing is dedicated to discussing Israel's humanitarian obligations towards the Palestinians following its blockade on aid to Gaza, in effect since March 2.
Hummeschul reiterated, "Israel has obligations as an occupying power, such as protecting medical personnel and facilitating the work of humanitarian organizations in the occupied territories." She further stated that Israel must ensure humanitarian needs are met and that the territory under its control is administered in accordance with international law.
The UN representative accused Israel of failing to honor its obligations concerning the immunity of UN teams. She stressed that the United Nations rejects any state's interference in the work of international organizations. Hummeschul also warned that the decision to ban operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) could be seen as an expansion of Israeli sovereignty over the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
Hummeschul emphasized the importance of respecting international law to protect civilians and enable UN personnel to conduct rescue operations without facing unacceptable risks. Addressing Israel's allegations against UNRWA, she stated, "We take seriously the allegations of a lack of neutrality by a number of UN agencies, and the necessary investigations will be conducted to address them and ensure their impartiality."
