Qatar submitted a memorandum to the ICJ requesting an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations under UN General Assembly resolution 79/232. The document emphasizes the need for Israel to facilitate UN operations and safeguard humanitarian efforts in Palestinian territories, stressing the importance of UNRWA’s role. Qatar calls for the repeal of recent legislation that restricts UNRWA activities in Israel and East Jerusalem.
The State of Qatar has formally submitted a memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning its request for an advisory opinion tied to the UN General Assembly resolution 79/232, established on December 19, 2024. This resolution addresses Israel’s obligations regarding the presence and activities of the UN and other international entities in relation to the Palestinian territories. The memorandum was presented by Qatar’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, HE Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani.
In the memorandum, Qatar emphasized Israel’s obligation to facilitate the operations of the UN and other humanitarian organizations, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It urged Israel to respect the properties of these organizations, which include schools, medical facilities, transportation, and water facilities, alongside safeguarding personnel engaged in humanitarian efforts.
Qatar also highlighted the importance of permitting essential relief programs and distributing crucial aid, such as food, clothing, and medical supplies, in the occupied Palestinian territories. It insisted on not obstructing the functions of the UN and other humanitarian groups in these regions.
Furthermore, the memorandum called for the annulment of the Israeli Knesset’s legislation enacted on October 28, 2024, which restricts UNRWA operations in Israel and East Jerusalem and prohibits contact between Israeli authorities and UNRWA. Qatar expressed confidence that the ICJ’s advisory opinion would clarify vital legal issues affecting the lives of Palestinians and their right to self-determination.
In a statement to the Qatar News Agency, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting UNRWA. She underscored the agency’s ongoing role in providing crucial services to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Al Misnad warned that prohibiting UNRWA’s activities could result in serious humanitarian and political repercussions.
The submission of Qatar’s memorandum to the ICJ underscores its commitment to ensuring that Israel adheres to its obligations regarding humanitarian aid in the Palestinian territories. It stresses the need for Israel to allow the UN and UNRWA to operate freely while calling for the repeal of legislation hindering these efforts. Qatar’s actions reflect a significant support for the Palestinian cause and the UN’s humanitarian mission.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
