RAMALLAH, April 28, 2025 (WAFA) – The United Nations affirmed Monday that Israel has "obligations as an occupying power," such as protecting medical personnel and facilitating the work of humanitarian organizations in the occupied territories, thus saving civilian lives.

This came in a speech delivered by Eleanor Hummeschul, representative of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at the start of a week-long hearing at the International Court of Justice to discuss Israel's humanitarian obligations towards the Palestinians after it imposed a blockade on aid to Gaza since March 2.

Hummeschul said, "Israel has obligations as an occupying power, such as protecting medical personnel and facilitating the work of humanitarian organizations in the occupied territories."

She continued, "Israel, as an occupying power, must ensure humanitarian needs in the occupied territories and administer the territory under its control in accordance with international law."

The UN representative accused Israel of "violating its obligations regarding the immunity of UN teams" and affirmed that "the United Nations rejects any interference by any state in the work of international organizations."

She warned that "the decision to ban UNRWA operations constitutes an expansion of Israeli sovereignty over the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem."

Hommeshul emphasized that "respect for international law is essential to protect civilians and enable UN personnel to rescue them without facing unacceptable risks."

She responded to Israel's allegations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by saying, "We take seriously the allegations of a lack of neutrality by a number of UN agencies, and the necessary investigations will be conducted to address them and ensure their impartiality."

Y.S