International critique: Russia questions legitimacy and ethicality of Israel's actions in Gaza at ICJ
Taking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Storm:
In an intense three-day showdown, Russia has decisively lashed out at Israel over its actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, alleging a colossal "crisis of legality and humanity." The heated exchanges took place during the ICJ hearings, where Russia accused Israel of systematically undermining the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and disregarding its international obligations, particularly as an occupying power.
Maksim Musikhin, speaking on behalf of the Russian government, argued that Israel's blockade since March 2 and resumed military operations in Gaza have led to unprecedented destruction and humanitarian disaster. He expressed grave concerns over Israel's renewed military operation launched in the West Bank on January 21, fearing it could lead to a repetition of the Gaza scenario.
Russia has unequivocally voiced its support for UNRWA, asserting the agency's crucial role in the region and predicting a catastrophic collapse of Gaza's humanitarian system without UNRWA's assistance.
Musikhin accused Israel of blatantly disregarding its obligations to ensure and maintain food, health, and hygiene services in the territories. He criticized Israel's laws on the prohibition of UNRWA's activities, claiming they violate international norms and principles.
During the morning session, the US likewise backed the call for resuming humanitarian aid flow to Gaza while emphasizing safeguards to prevent misuse by terrorist groups. France requested Israel to immediately lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and cooperate with international partners. Calls for the protection of aid workers, opening crossings, and ensuring a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians were also voiced.
Indonesia added its voice to the chorus, decrying Israel's violations of international law and dismissal of Palestinians' basic rights, including self-determination. Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono condemned Israel for its destructive actions in Gaza, particularly the targeting of civilian infrastructure and hospitals. He urged the ICJ to ensure Israel's compliance with its obligations to the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, aiming to provide guidance to the international community on preventing the worst humanitarian catastrophe of the century.
The current ICJ proceedings, which took place from April 28 to May 2, 2025, focused on an advisory opinion requested by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to clarify Israel's obligations under international law. The request, made in Resolution 79/232 on December 19, 2024, aims to address Israel's actions concerning the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in the occupied Palestinian territory.
[Source: [1] Anadolu Agency, [2] Newsweek, [3] Al Jazeera, [4] Haaretz, [5] The New Arab]
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) heard Russia's accusation against Israel for causing a crisis of legality and humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories.
- Maksim Musikhin, speaking on behalf of the Russian government, stated that Israel's blockade and military operations have resulted in an unprecedented destruction and humanitarian disaster.
- Russia expressed concern over Israel's resumed military operation in Gaza, fearing it could lead to another Gaza scenario.
- The US backed the call for resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing safeguards to prevent misuse by terrorist groups.
- France demanded Israel lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and cooperate with international partners.
- Indonesia denounced Israel's violations of international law and the Palestinian people's basic rights, including self-determination.
- The ICJ proceedings focused on an advisory opinion requested by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) regarding Israel's obligations under international law.
- The ICJ hearings revealed calls for the protection of aid workers, opening crossings, and ensuring a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
- The proceedings took place from April 28 to May 2, 2025, and aimed to address Israel's actions concerning the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in the occupied Palestinian territory.
- The UNGA resolution 79/232, made on December 19, 2024, requested the ICJ for clarification on Israel's obligations under international law.
- Newsweek, Al Jazeera, Haaretz, and The New Arab reported on the intense debates at the ICJ and the international community's collective concern over the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
- The United States' opinion on the matter involved safeguarding its support for humanitarian aid while preventing its misuse by terrorist groups.
- Crisis, urgency, and disrespect for human rights dominated the war-and-conflicts and general news section regarding the ICJ proceedings and the situation in Gaza.
- Saudi Arabia's government has yet to issue an official statement regarding their stance on the ICJ hearings and the current situation in Palestine.
