NEW YORK (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted on Thursday a resolution requesting a consultative opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s humanitarian obligations towards the Palestinians.
The resolution, which highlights the miserable humanitarian situation in Palestine, called on Israel to comply with its legal duties under international law, as defined by the ICJ previously.
The resolution, which was submitted by Norway along with at least 22 States, was supported by 137 countries, while 12 others voted no, and 22 abstained.
Before the vote, Andreas Kravik, Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, said, “We recognize that States may take different positions as to what has caused this dystopian nightmare. What we cannot afford to disagree on, however, is the humanitarian imperative to provide aid and assistance to those in desperate need.”
“Under no circumstances can we tolerate that any State imposes obstructions and impediments to organizations and States which provide humanitarian and development assistance to civilians,” he added.
The resolution called on Israel to stop measures that hinder the provision of basic services and humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, and to respect the rights of international organizations working in the region.
It also called for enabling the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to carry out its mandate and provide vital assistance to the Palestinians, urging for full implementation of the agency’s recommendations to ensure neutrality and effectiveness in its work.
The resolution also called for the acceptance of Palestinians’ right to self-determination, urging all parties to abide by their obligations under the international law.
