Malaysia Welcomes ICJ Ruling, Urges Immediate Aid Access To Gaza

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia welcomes the landmark Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday and has called for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), particularly Gaza.

In a statement on Thursday, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the latest ICJ ruling on Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations (UN), other International Organisations, and Third States in, and in relation to, the OPT reaffirmed the indispensable and pivotal role of the United Nations.

The ministry said this latest ICJ ruling, among others, reaffirmed the role of the United Nations, in particular, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in providing essential humanitarian relief in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the Gaza Strip.

“In essence, the court's findings connote that Israel’s actions of banning and restricting humanitarian aid, including UNRWA’s operations, are in breach of its obligations as an Occupying Power under international law. These include obligations to respect the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.

"The findings of the ICJ further reaffirm Malaysia’s legal arguments which were submitted through a Written Statement on 28 February 2025, and during the Oral Submission to the Court on 28 April 2025," the statement read.

The ministry said Malaysia called for the swift implementation of the Opinion, which will also facilitate immediate delivery of the much-needed humanitarian aid without any hindrance to the OPT, particularly to Gaza.

"Israel should be held accountable for its atrocities against Palestinians and persistent violations of international law," it said.

In its latest findings, the Court held that Israel’s actions in banning and restricting humanitarian aid, including UNRWA’s operations, are in breach of its obligations as an Occupying Power under international law. These obligations include the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare."

The ICJ further stated that Israel has an obligation to protect all relief and medical personnel and facilities; and to cooperate in good faith with the UN, including by ensuring full respect for the inviolability of UNRWA premises and respecting the privileges and immunities accorded to UN officials and experts on mission, under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN.

-- BERNAMA