Egypt on Monday delivered an oral statement before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the Court to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations as an occupying power in the Palestinian territories. The Egyptian delegation, represented by Ambassador Hatem Abdel Kader and Dr Yasmin Moussa, outlined Israel's legal responsibilities under international law and highlighted its continued violations. Egypt accused Israel of pursuing a systematic policy aimed at the de facto annexation of Palestinian land, citing forced displacement, legislative actions by the Knesset, and public statements by Israeli officials. The delegation said Israel is creating conditions intended to render Gaza uninhabitable, including repeated forced evictions and restricting access to basic services. It also criticised efforts to dismantle the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to undermine the Palestinian right of return. The Egyptian delegation further accused Israel of using starvation and siege as weapons against civilians in Gaza since October 2023, blocking the entry of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The delegation reported the deaths of 52,000 civilians—mostly women and children—amid continued Israeli attacks on civilians, infrastructure, and humanitarian personnel. Egypt also condemned Israel's airstrikes on the Rafah border crossing, its military assault on Rafah city, and the resulting collapse of humanitarian aid operations. Egypt asked the Court to confirm that Israel's prolonged occupation constitutes an ongoing violation of international law, that its obligations as an occupying power remain in force, and that it must lift the Gaza blockade unconditionally. It also called for full humanitarian access, implementation of Security Council Resolution 2735, protection of UN agencies including UNRWA, and recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and development on their land. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
