The Hague: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s representative, Elinor Hammarskj¶ld, emphasized the unlawfulness of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory under international law.
According to Jordan News Agency, in a hearing statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Hammarskj¶ld highlighted the court’s conclusion that Israel’s claim of sovereignty and annexation of certain parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory violates the prohibition of acquiring territory by force. Hammarskj¶ld, who serves as Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, stated that the ICJ has determined Israel is not entitled to sovereignty over any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory due to its occupation.
She further noted that United Nations centers are protected under international law and criticized the Israeli Knesset’s enactment of the “Law to Cease UNRWA Operations” on October 28, 2024. This action, she argued, appears to extend sovereignty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Hammarskj¶ld underscored Israel’s obligations as a UN member, stressing the inviolability of UN premises, the necessity for cooperation with the United Nations, and the impartiality required of certain UN entities. She also reported that no humanitarian aid or commercial goods have entered the Gaza Strip since March 2, leading to severe humanitarian consequences. Additionally, she noted the death of 295 United Nations personnel in Gaza since October 7, 2023.