Foreign Minister Sugiono Affirms Israel Committed Serious Violations Of International Law For Not Fulfilling Its Obligations

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Israel committed a gross violation of international law for not fulfilling its international obligations as a member of the United Nations and Occupying Power, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono during the Fatwa Law (Advisory Opinion) trial regarding Israel's Obligation to UN Activities, International Organizations and Third Countries in the Palestinian Population Region which was held at the International Court (ICJ), The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday (30/4).

"Israel does not fulfill its international obligations as a member of the United Nations and Occupying Power. This is a serious violation of international law," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the trial, launching a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, May 1.

"Israel's unwilling to carry out its legal obligations has caused the Palestinian people unable to exercise their own right to self-determine," he continued.

"The continuous violations committed by Israel and the reluctance to fulfill its obligations based on international law have raised questions about its feasibility to be referred to as a 'peaceful love' country, which is a prerequisite for UN membership as regulated in Article 4 paragraph (1) of the UN Charter," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono.

It is known that the UN General Assembly, through resolution No. 79/232, has asked the ICJ to set a Fatwa after the prolonged crisis in Palestine since October 7, 2023. ICJ then asked for input from UN member countries and international organizations in the process of drafting its Legal Fatwa.

"The Law Fatwa of the International Court will provide much-needed guidelines for the international community in resolving Palestinian issues, including resolving the century's biggest humanitarian catastrophe," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister, emphasizing the importance of the Legal Fatwa of the ICJ.

The request for a Legal Fatwa to the ICJ related to Palestine is the third time it has been submitted by the UN General Assembly.

In the last Fatwa of Law set out on July 19, 2024, the ICJ designated Israel's continued occupation of Palestinian territory against international law and Israel must end its occupation of Palestinian territory immediately.

As of April 30, 39 countries including Indonesia and four international organizations registered to provide verbal statements.

The Fatwa of the Law that is being requested by the General Assembly is expected to specifically outline Israel's obligations as a member of the United Nations and the Occupying Power, which includes respect and facilitation of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.