Khaberni - The United Nations General Assembly adopted, on Friday, a resolution demanding Israel, the occupying power, to allow full humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, respect the sanctity of United Nations premises, and comply with its obligations under international law.
The resolution comes in response to the latest advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which clarifies Israel's obligations as an occupying power and a member of the United Nations.
The resolution, proposed by Norway and more than 12 other countries, received the support of 139 countries, opposed by 12 countries, and 19 countries abstained from the vote.
The permanent representative of Norway to the United Nations, Ambassador Merit Vivel Praestead, warned before the vote that "2024 was one of the most violent years in the last three decades, and 2025 followed the same pattern, with no signs that this trend would recede in the coming year. The situation in occupied Palestine is particularly prominent."
She added: "Civilians pay the highest price. Respect for humanitarian principles is eroding. The basics of humanitarian law are under severe pressure," emphasizing that the advisory procedures before the International Court of Justice constitute a tool to clarify legal responsibilities.
She noted that the member states requested clarification on "fundamental issues related to providing life-saving humanitarian aid to civilian populations in Palestine."
Praestead also touched on recent incidents that underscore the urgent need for the court's conclusions, citing the condemnation by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, of what he described as "unauthorized entry" by Israel into the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.
She said: "As the Secretary-General mentioned, this constitutes a clear violation of Israel’s obligations to respect the sanctity of United Nations premises," calling on all member states to support the resolution.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, welcomed the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, noting that this vote represents an important indication of the overwhelming support of the international community for the UNRWA agency.
He added in a statement issued by the UN agency: "As stressed by the International Court of Justice, UNRWA is the primary humanitarian entity operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, and every effort must be made to facilitate its work, not to obstruct or prevent it."
He called on member states to continue supporting UNRWA's efforts to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and expand its vital services in public health and education.
