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Israel must ensure aid access in Gaza, Sugiono says at ICJ
Foreign Minister Sugiono has said Israel must adhere to the obligations reserved for an occupying power as its siege of Gaza continues, asserting at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Geneva that Israeli blockages of humanitarian aid have unfolded one of “the biggest humanitarian catastrophes” in recent history.
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Making it clear: Foreign Minister Sugiono delivers his annual foreign policy speech on Jan. 10 at the ministry's office in Jakarta. (Antara/Muhammad Ramdan)
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oreign Minister Sugiono said Israel must adhere to the obligations reserved for an occupying power as its siege of Gaza continues, asserting at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Geneva that Israeli blockages of humanitarian aid have unfolded one of “the biggest humanitarian catastrophes” in recent history.
Israel’s legitimacy as a United Nations member must be scrutinized if it continues to fail in adhering to UN rules and displays disregard for the presence of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza, said Sugiono when presenting Indonesia’s oral statement at the world court on Wednesday.
Forty countries and four international organizations have been scheduled to make appearances at a 5-day long ICJ hearing this week in the advisory case on Israeli responsibility to ensure access for essential supplies to war-torn Gaza.
The hearing follows a December 2024 request by the UN General Assembly, through a resolution co-sponsored by several countries, including Indonesia, for the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion amid an Israeli ban on activities of the UNRWA in Gaza despite international outcry.
An advisory opinion, though not binding, can serve to heighten global pressure on Israel.
Speaking at the ICJ on Wednesday, Sugiono listed Israel’s responsibilities as stated in the Fourth Geneva Convention, which addresses the protection of civilian lives in a war zone. These responsibilities include ensuring basic supplies, facilitating relief schemes, protection of medical facilities and personnel, prohibition of collective punishment and a ban against forced displacement.
Read also: Indonesia welcomes Gaza ceasefire deal, urges reconstruction
