The Hague: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its demand for Israel, as an occupying power, to adhere to the provisions of international humanitarian law and ensure that the basic needs of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, including food, water, shelters, and medical supplies, are met.

According to Qatar News Agency, speaking at a session held at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Director-General of the Legal Department at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Saud Al Nasser delivered a statement representing his country regarding the “Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Al Nasser stressed that Israel must respect and protect the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people and condemned its obstruction of international organizations, including the United Nations, as well as other states’ efforts to provide essential humanitarian support. He deemed such obstruction a violation of human rights.

He further highlighted that under the UN Charter, Israel is obligated to cooperate in good faith with the organization and its agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He emphasized that Israel must allow and encourage those willing to provide humanitarian and development assistance, thereby strengthening the Palestinian people’s ability to exercise their right to self-determination. He reiterated that respecting this right is a fundamental principle of international law, and forms the core issue before the court.