International community calls on Israel to honor UN resolutions, support humanitarian aid operations: Switzerland advocates before International Court of Justice
Switzerland spoke up at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) today, demanding Israel respect its obligations and stop obstructing humanitarian efforts in Palestine. According to Franz Perrez, Israel is expected to abide by the United Nations, adhere to international humanitarian law, and cooperate with impartial humanitarian organizations to ensure aid reaches those in need.
"Israel needs to play by the rules and respect its commitments," Perrez said, describing the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories as "catastrophic." He accused Israel of violating international law, prolonging the occupation, and causing suffering since October 2023 when the conflicts started.
Perrez highlighted that Israel, as the occupying power, has a responsibility to consent to relief schemes and ensure they are effectively implemented. Furthermore, it must respect and protect humanitarian personnel. Switzerland, however, dismissed vague security concerns as justification for blocking humanitarian assistance.
Israel's actions in Gaza have been a cause of concern and controversy for quite some time. As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to manage the territory for the benefit of the local population, facilitate aid, maintain essential services, and respect self-determination[4]. However, Israel has been accused of violating these obligations, imposing a severe siege on Gaza that includes blocking aid and restricting movement[2][3].
The blockade on Gaza started in March 2025, and it has resulted in severe shortages of food, water, electricity, and gas[3]. This situation, labeled as a genocide by Amnesty International[2], constitutes a war crime as it involves the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
Despite ICJ rulings requiring Israel to allow unrestricted aid into Gaza, the country has consistently ignored these orders and continued to block humanitarian assistance[3][4]. Only the United States and Hungary have supported Israel's actions in the ICJ, while the rest of the international community has condemned Israel for its breaches of international humanitarian law[3].
In conclusion, Israel's actions in Gaza are perceived as clear violations of its international obligations, with the international community pressuring Israel to change its course. Switzerland's position at the ICJ mirrors this global call for Israel to respect humanitarian law, ensure aid reaches those in need, and protect humanitarian personnel.
- Switzerland's call at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) urges Israel to adhere to its obligations concerning humanitarian efforts in Palestine, particularly in Gaza.
- Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza, is obliged to consent to relief schemes and ensure they are effectively implemented, according to Switzerland.
- Perrez stated that Israel's actions in Gaza are causing sufferings and violating international law, prolonging the occupation since October 2023.
- The dire situation in Gaza, marked by a severe siege, shortages of essential resources, and accused of being a genocide, constitutes a war crime.
- In light of this, the United States and Hungary are the only nations supporting Israel's actions at the ICJ, while the rest of the international community, citing war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislation, has condemned Israel's breaches of international humanitarian law.
- As the humanitarian news unfolds, general news outlets are reporting that Israel has consistently ignored ICJ rulings mandating unrestricted aid to Gaza, continuing to obstruct humanitarian assistance.
- The international community, including Switzerland, is seeking an end to Israel's violations of its international obligations and its commitments to the humanitarian courts and global politics that protect and promote the immunities and rights of humanitarian organizations.
