Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Aggression in Gaza During ICJ Hearings
The Hague, The Gulf Observer: Amid escalating Israeli military operations in the besieged Gaza Strip and an ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned what it described as “barbaric aggression” against unarmed Palestinian civilians. Speaking at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s representative, Ambassador Mohamed Saud Alnasser, delivered a forceful statement denouncing Israel’s continued violations of international law.
“Israel has turned the Gaza Strip into a pile of rubble,” said Alnasser in his address, reaffirming that there is no justification for Israel’s actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem. He reminded the court that less than a year ago, the ICJ had been presented with clear evidence of Israel’s settlement policies, occupation, and annexation efforts—actions deemed flagrant violations of international law. “Sadly, but predictably, Israel chose to ignore the court’s ruling, showing it considered itself above the law,” he added.
Alnasser stressed the critical role of the ICJ’s advisory opinion in holding Israel accountable and ensuring humanitarian aid access to the Palestinian population. “The obligations of Israel to allow the UN, other international organizations and third states to carry out activity in the occupied Palestinian territory – including providing such assistance – could truly make a difference between life and death for many people,” he said.
The Saudi envoy accused Israel of using its blockade and military actions as tools of ethnic cleansing, claiming that Tel Aviv seeks to displace or eliminate the Palestinian population in Gaza to pave the way for settlement and annexation. “Israel’s hideous conduct, which piles illegality upon illegality, is well documented – its most ruthless application has been the siege conditions imposed over the Gaza Strip since October 2023,” he stated.
Alnasser further highlighted the dire humanitarian consequences of Israel’s actions, noting that over 200 UNRWA personnel have been killed and that the agency’s headquarters and aid warehouses have come under attack. He also pointed out that Israeli authorities have repeatedly disregarded international calls to allow life-saving aid into Gaza. “Tel Aviv continues to ignore calls to allow aid into Gaza, and has attacked and looted UNRWA facilities and warehouses,” he said, emphasizing that the United Nations has publicly dismissed Israel’s claims questioning the agency’s neutrality.
The Saudi statement was delivered as the ICJ commenced a week of hearings on Israel’s humanitarian obligations toward Palestinians. More than 50 days have passed since Israel imposed a full blockade on aid entering the Gaza Strip, exacerbating what UN officials have called an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe affecting 2.2 million residents.
The court, the highest judicial body of the United Nations, is currently hearing submissions from a wide range of states and international organizations as it prepares an advisory opinion on Israel’s legal responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories. The hearings come amid renewed global scrutiny over Israel’s conduct, particularly following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and the cutting off of aid on March 2.
