NEW YORK, October 23, 2025 (WAFA) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has referred the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s obligations in the occupied Palestinian territories to the UN General Assembly, which originally requested the opinion.
According to a statement issued by his office, the Secretary-General emphasized that it is now the responsibility of the General Assembly to decide on any further actions regarding the matter. The advisory opinion reaffirmed key legal obligations of Israel under international law, particularly its duties as an occupying power to ensure that Palestinians have access to essential needs and to facilitate impartial humanitarian relief efforts without obstruction.
The ICJ also affirmed Israel’s responsibilities under international humanitarian law, including the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel, the prohibition of forced displacement of civilians, and the ban on using starvation as a weapon of war. It reiterated the rights of detainees to receive visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Court further asserted Israel’s obligations under international human rights law to respect and uphold the rights of the Palestinian people, while recognizing the vital role of the United Nations and its agencies—especially the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)—in providing humanitarian aid and supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Guterres pointed out that the ICJ dismissed allegations questioning UNRWA’s neutrality and reaffirmed that Israel, as a UN member state, must cooperate with the organization and its agencies. The court also emphasized that Israel must respect the privileges, immunities, and inviolability of UN premises, staff, and assets, obligations that remain binding even during armed conflict.
He urged Israel to comply with its international obligations related to the presence and activities of the UN and other humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territories. He reiterated the importance of all parties adhering to international humanitarian and human rights law.
The Secretary-General concluded that the ICJ’s advisory opinion could play a decisive role in improving the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He called for renewed efforts to establish a credible political process aimed at ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within their internationally recognized 1967 borders.
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