Saudi Arabia Advocates For Humanitarian Law Compliance At ICJ Regarding Palestinian Territory

Saudi Arabia took part in a public session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands. The session focused on Israel's obligations concerning the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations, and third states in relation to the occupied Palestinian territory. Mohamed Alnasser, Director-General of the Legal Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Saudi Arabia.

Alnasser delivered a statement urging Israel to comply with international humanitarian law as an occupying power. He emphasised that Israel must provide basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to Palestinians in occupied territories. "Israel must respect, protect, and fulfill the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory," Alnasser stated.

He highlighted that Israel's obstruction of international organisations' efforts to deliver essential needs constitutes a violation of its human rights obligations. This includes hindering the work of entities like the United Nations and third states aiming to support Palestinians.

Alnasser pointed out that under the United Nations Charter, Israel is obligated to cooperate sincerely with UN agencies, including UNRWA. He stressed that Israel should permit and encourage those willing to provide humanitarian and developmental aid to Palestinians.

This cooperation is crucial for enhancing Palestinians' capacity to achieve self-determination. Alnasser underscored that respecting this right is a peremptory norm of international law central to the court's deliberations.

The session at ICJ reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights within international legal frameworks. By participating in these discussions, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that international laws are upheld and that humanitarian needs are met in occupied territories.

With inputs from SPA