Switzerland Asks ICJ To Respect Israel's UN, Facilitate Aid Efforts

The ICJ Court is side by side / Voa

JENEWA - Switzerland told the International Court (ICJ) on Friday that Israel must respect the United Nations and its agencies.

The country also asked Israel not to obstruct their activities, and cooperate fully with non-accompliance humanitarian organizations to ensure aid reaches the Palestinians in need.

"Israel has an obligation to ensure, exercise restraint and respect the United Nations, its organizations and agencies," Franz Perrez said, representing Switzerland.

will go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday that Israel must respect the United Nations and its agencies.

"Based on international humanitarian law, they must allow and facilitate aid efforts carried out by impartial humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, when residents need help."

Perrez described the dire situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories as "disaster" by citing mass violations of international law.

The situation, he said, was also caused by a prolonged occupation that was declared illegal by the courts, and the suffering caused by the violence since October 2023 - when the Israeli attacks on Gaza began - including Israeli hostages and their families.

He emphasized that Israel, as the invaders, was bound by international humanitarian law and occupation law, which required it to approve the aid scheme and ensure its implementation effectively.

"Israel must also respect and protect humanitarian officers," he said.

Switzerland rejects security reasons in general and is unclear as a justification for blocking humanitarian aid.

"The mention of security issues is not something that can be used to avoid obligations based on international law," said Perrez.

"The mention of the problem must be regulated by law and carried out in good faith."

He stressed that based on the UN Charter and Convention on UN Special Rights and Immunity, Israel must respect the privileges and immunity of the United Nations and cannot take unilateral action that hinders the function of the United Nations as it should.

Perrez also reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, which can only be achieved through respect for international law and good faith negotiations.