Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 23, 2025 International law
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which reaffirms a number of Israel's fundamental obligations under international law.
The Court emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to provide the population of the Palestinian territory with basic necessities. In cases where the population is experiencing food shortages, as was the case in the Gaza Strip, Israel is obligated to accept and facilitate appropriate aid programs, including those of the United Nations.
The Court confirmed that, under international humanitarian law, Israel is obliged to protect relief personnel, to respect the prohibition of forced displacement and deportation of civilians and the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare, and to respect the right of persons in detention to be visited by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The International Court also noted the role of the UN, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in providing humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip and supporting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and reaffirmed Israel's obligation as a Member State to cooperate with the UN and UNRWA.
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The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to provide humanitarian aid in the Palestinian territories.
"The Secretary-General urges Israel to comply with its obligations regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in accordance with the [Court's] advisory opinion," said a statement issued by his spokesman on behalf of the UN chief.
The UN chief emphasized that all parties must abide by their obligations under international law. He will transmit the advisory opinion to the General Assembly, which requested the document. This UN body will decide on further action on this matter. The Court's opinion will be crucial in improving the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, the Secretary-General noted in his statement.
"Israel and all other States must abide by the law, as the Court's ruling makes clear, and act swiftly to significantly improve the appalling human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
"Other parties to the conflict must also comply with their obligations under international law. This begins with saving lives, not putting them at serious risk," he added.
The United Nations will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the population of the occupied Palestinian territory, stressed Antonio GuterresThe Secretary-General reiterated his call for a credible political path to ending the occupation and leading to a two-State solution.
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