Advisory opinion of the ICJ on Israel’s obligations in relation to the UN and other actors in the occupied Palestinian territory

The Brazilian Government has learned of the advisory opinion issued on October 22 by the International Court of Justice concerning the obligations of Israel in relation to the United Nations, other international organizations and third States in the occupied Palestinian territory.

In its advisory opinion the Court has concluded that Israel has the obligation to ensure the basic needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, to respect and protect their human rights and to facilitate humanitarian aid efforts implemented by the United Nations and its agencies, including those promoted by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Court further stated that Israel must respect international humanitarian law, which prohibits forced displacement and the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

The understanding expressed by the International Court of Justice is consistent with the views presented by Brazil in its written and oral submissions during the advisory proceedings.

The Brazilian Government reiterates the need to ensure full, immediate, safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid and of United Nations workers that operate on the ground and it calls on the Government of Israel to fully comply with the terms of the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice and with the Court’s other applicable decisions.