AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Tuesday the advisory opinion issued unanimously by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law as the occupying power in the Palestinian territories.

 

The ICJ ruling emphasised the need for Israel to approve and facilitate humanitarian aid and relief efforts for Palestinians in the occupied territories, including those provided by the United Nations and its agencies, particularly UNRWA.

 

The court also stressed that such aid must not be obstructed or prevented from reaching those in need.

 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah said in a statement that the Kingdom values and supports the ICJ’s opinion, which reaffirmed Israel’s responsibility to ensure the inviolability of UN facilities, including those of UNRWA, and the immunity of UN property and assets from interference.

 

Qudah also said that the advisory opinion further emphasised the obligation to fully respect the privileges and immunities of UN personnel and experts operating in the occupied Palestinian territories.

 

It also called for the protection of humanitarian and medical workers, as well as related facilities, and demanded an end to forced displacement and deportation of Palestinians, the statement said.

 

The ICJ opinion underscored the rights of Palestinian detainees to receive visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross and condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare against civilians.

 

Citing the ruling, Qudah also reiterated that Israel must respect the presence and operations of the United Nations and other international organisations in the occupied territories.

 

“As the occupying power, Israel is obliged to cooperate in good faith with the UN and to provide necessary assistance to facilitate its work in accordance with the UN Charter, including support for UNRWA operations.”

 

Qudah reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering position in support of UNRWA and its critical role in providing services to Palestinian refugees.

 

He also condemned Israeli measures targeting the agency, stressing the importance of continued political and financial backing to ensure the agency’s ability to fulfill its UN mandate across its five areas of operation.

 

ICJ's advisory opinion said Israel must not use starvation as a means of waging war in Gaza.

 

It also said Israel must meet the "basic needs" of the population on Gaza, including providing everything they need to survive.

 

"As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival," said ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa, according to AFP.

 

The ICJ also said Israel had not stood up its allegations that members of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, also worked for Hamas.