(VOVWORLD) -UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that an all-out Israeli offensive on Rafah would spell the end for UN-led humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza, noting that existing humanitarian aid programs are entirely inadequate for the locals’ needs.
 A ruined scene after an Israeli air strike on the city of Rafah, in the Gaza Strip, February 22, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
Speaking at a UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Guterres once again urged all sides to implement a humanitarian ceasefire and release all hostages immediately and unconditionally.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported Monday that Israel did not comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling issued on January 26, which urgently requested the provision of aid to people in the Gaza Strip. HRW said Israel failed to create favorable conditions for fuel transportation and obstructed aid from reaching northern Gaza.
The Arab League and Turkey called on ICJ judges to rule Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal. In The Hague, Netherlands, on February 19, the ICJ opened a trial to evaluate the legality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, since 1967.
On the final day of the trial, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged the ICJ to rule Israel's occupation illegal and issue a clear ruling on the legal consequences for all involved parties.