Russia tells ICJ Israel's actions in Gaza undermine legality and humanity

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Russia on Wednesday told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) are leading to a "crisis of legality and humanity," as public hearings on Israeli obligations continued for a third day.

"Today, we confront the crisis of legality and humanity in light of systematic undermining of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by Israel and its negligence towards the overall obligations under international law, including those stemming from the status of Israel as an occupying power," said Maksim Musikhin, speaking on behalf of Moscow.

"The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Gaza balances on the brink of famine. Hospitals lie in ruins."

Musikhin warned that with Israel's total blockade since March 2 and resumed military operations, Gaza continues to endure devastating destruction and a “humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented scale."

He also raised concerns over Israel's renewed military operation launched in the West Bank on Jan. 21, warning that it "risks repeating a terrible Gaza scenario."

Russia reaffirmed its support for the UNRWA, calling the agency's role "crucial" and saying "its work is strongly supported by the vast majority of the international community."

"Without UNRWA, Gaza's humanitarian system will collapse," he warned.

Russia argued that "Israel as the occupying power is bound by the (international humanitarian law) IHL, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and The Hague regulations."

"None of that is happening today," Russia told the court, accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to ensure and maintain food, health, and hygiene services.

"Israeli laws on the prohibition of the UNRWA’s activities violate actual norms and principles," Musikhin said, urging the court to let its opinion "be a beacon of hope” and a reaffirmation of international law.

The US also addressed the court during the morning session, throwing its support behind resuming the humanitarian aid flow.

"To be clear, the United States supports the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza with the safeguards to ensure it is not looted or misused by terrorist groups," Joshua Simmons said.

"We encourage the international community to focus on advancing a ceasefire, and on fresh thinking for a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

The Israeli army renewed its assault on Gaza on March 18, shattering a Jan. 19 ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Palestinian resistance group Hamas.

Nearly 52,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children.