The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in a significant session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands. This session focused on a request for advisory opinion regarding Israel’s obligations related to its presence and activities concerning the Palestinian territories, especially in relation to the United Nations and other international organizations and states.
Representing Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Saud Al-Nasser, Director General of the Legal Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the necessity for Israel, as an occupying power, to adhere to the provisions of international humanitarian law. He reiterated the fundamental responsibilities of Israel to ensure the basic needs of the Palestinian people are met within the occupied territories. These needs encompass essentials such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies.
During his address, Al-Nasser stressed that Israel must respect and protect the basic human rights of the Palestinian populace living in the occupied territories. He pointed out that Israel’s obstruction of assistance efforts by international organizations, including the United Nations and other states, constitutes a violation of human rights. Al-Nasser noted that the UN Charter mandates Israel to engage sincerely with the United Nations and its entities, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He urged Israel to facilitate and promote cooperation with those willing to provide humanitarian and developmental aid, reinforcing the capacity of the Palestinian people to pursue self-determination.
Al-Nasser articulated that respecting this right is fundamental and is enshrined as a peremptory norm in international law, directly addressing the core question posed before the court. He delineated that Israel’s obligations extend beyond mere acknowledgment; there is an inherent duty to act in accordance with international standards that uphold the dignity and rights of occupied populations.
The session underscored a pivotal moment for international law and human rights advocacy concerning the ongoing situation in the region. Saudi Arabia’s call for adherence to these principles underscores its commitment to the Palestinian cause and highlights the broader implications of international legal frameworks in mitigating violations and ensuring accountability.
Israel’s actions regarding the Palestinian territories have been a focal point of international scrutiny and debate. Al-Nasser’s statements reflect a growing concern over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict and emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.
The Kingdom’s participation in this session not only reaffirms its stance on the Palestinian issue but also aligns with a broader global movement advocating for justice and protection of human rights. By urging Israel to comply with international obligations, Saudi Arabia is not only stressing the importance of legal frameworks but also advocating for solutions that prioritize human dignity and fundamental rights.
As the court deliberates on these pressing matters, the international community watches closely, with hopes that the outcomes will lead to positive steps toward resolving the plight of the Palestinian people and ensuring that their rights are recognized and safeguarded. This session’s proceedings and the positions articulated by various nations will undoubtedly shape the discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and inform future actions within international legal and humanitarian frameworks.
