On Thursday, Pakistan’s envoy to the Netherlands, Syed Haider Shah, delivered an oral statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, drawing attention to the severe violations occurring in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza.
His remarks were part of the public hearings regarding the request for an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations concerning the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Shah pointed out that Israel’s actions against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) represent one of the most significant violations of the privileges and immunities of an international organization in the history of the UN.
He strongly condemned Israel’s efforts to undermine UNRWA's operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, labeling it a clear breach of international law and a component of Israel’s ongoing strategy to obstruct essential humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinians in urgent need.
He stressed the importance of ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and called for accountability for Israel's imposition of collective punishment through the withholding of humanitarian aid from countless civilians.
Earlier this year, Pakistan submitted a comprehensive written statement to the ICJ regarding the case. The oral proceedings are scheduled to take place at the ICJ from April 28 to May 2, 2025, with participation expected from over 40 states and organizations.
The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan has consistently supported the Palestinian cause in their rightful quest for self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.