At The ICJ Session, Britain Asked Israel To Revoke The Humanitarian Aid Block To Gaza

The condition of refugees in Gaza/DOK UNRWA

JAKARTA - Britain in a hearing at the International Court (ICJ) asked Israel to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensure protection for civilians, and fully comply with international humanitarian law.

"It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian support from entering Gaza for nearly two months, meaning that Palestinian civilians, including one million children, face hunger, disease and death," said British representative Sally Langrish.

The statement follows British Foreign Minister David Lemmy's recent remarks to the UN Security Council in which Lemmy urged a ceasefire return "to end the relentless deaths and destruction facing Palestinians every day."

Langrish stressed Britain's repeated calls for Israel to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and stressed Britain's suspension of certain arms export permits to Israel in September 2024, citing "a clear risk that certain military exports to Israel could be used to violate international humanitarian law."

Langrish explained that based on Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel must approve and facilitate relief efforts when the population lacks supply. Rejecting that would be a violation of international law, he said.

He stressed that Britain considers UNRWA as an "unfavorable humanitarian organization" and supports UNRWA's mandate. The celebration stressed the need for the agency to enforce strict neutrality and investigate any allegations of abuse, noting that such an investigation was already ongoing.

Meanwhile, Michael Wood, who also spoke on behalf of Britain, underlined Israel's obligations based on the UN Charter, the 1946 Convention on the Special Rights and Immunity of the United Nations, and international humanitarian law.

Wood said Israel must respect the legal capacity, privilege, and immunity of the United Nations and its agencies, including UNRWA.

Since March 2, Israel has closed Gaza's crossing route, blocking key supplies into the enclave despite reports of starvation in the war-torn region.