logo
‘Weapon of war'

‘Weapon of war'

Daily Tribune29-04-2025

A top Palestinian official told the International Court of Justice yesterday that Israel was blocking humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza as a 'weapon of war', at the start of a week of hearings at the UN's top court.
Israel is not participating at the ICJ but hit back immediately, dismissing the hearings as 'part of the systematic persecution and delegitimisation' of the country.
The ICJ is hearing dozens of nations and organisations to draw up a so-called advisory opinion on Israel's humanitarian obligations to Palestinians, more than 50 days into its total blockage on aid entering war-ravaged Gaza.
Top Palestinian official Ammar Hijazi told judges that 'all UN-supported bakeries in Gaza have been forced to shut their doors'.
'Nine of every 10 Palestinians have no access to safe drinking water. Storage facilities of the UN and other international agencies are empty,' added Hijazi.
'These are the facts. Starvation is here. Humanitarian aid is being used as a weapon of war,' concluded the Palestinian representative.
In December, the UN's General Assembly asked the ICJ for an advisory opinion 'on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency'.
The UN asked judges to clarify Israel's legal duties towards the UN and its agencies, international organisations or third-party states to 'ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population'.
Israel strictly controls all inflows of international aid vital for the 2.4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
It halted aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2, days before the collapse of a ceasefire that had significantly reduced hostilities after 15 months of war.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UN Conference Sets Stage for Arab Solidarity on Disability Rights
UN Conference Sets Stage for Arab Solidarity on Disability Rights

Daily Tribune

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Tribune

UN Conference Sets Stage for Arab Solidarity on Disability Rights

Bahrain's Minister of Social Development, H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al Asfoor, chaired a key ministerial meeting of Arab states on the sidelines of the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Al Asfoor led the gathering as President of the 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, hosted by the League of Arab States. The high-level meeting brought together ministers and heads of delegations from across the Arab world to discuss strengthening collective efforts in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. In his opening remarks, Minister Al Asfoor highlighted Bahrain's unwavering dedication—under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—to building an inclusive society that safeguards the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. He emphasized Bahrain's continued efforts to implement policies and legislation that promote full integration and equal opportunities for all. Al Asfoor praised the United Nations' pivotal role in supporting disability and social development agendas, while also commending the strong and fruitful partnership between the UN and Arab states in advancing these causes. The minister called for deeper regional collaboration, greater exchange of successful practices, and intensified joint action to create comprehensive and sustainable solutions for people with disabilities. He underscored the importance of fulfilling international commitments and aligning Arab efforts with global standards. Before concluding, Al Asfoor expressed his gratitude to the General Secretariat of the Arab League—particularly its UN mission and the council's technical secretariat—for organizing the meeting. He lauded the Arab world's ongoing efforts to protect and empower persons with disabilities, noting that such initiatives reflect a shared regional resolve to present a unified voice on the global stage. The meeting also marked a crucial moment of coordination ahead of the Second World Summit on Social Development, scheduled to take place in the State of Qatar this November—an event anticipated to reinforce Arab and international momentum around disability rights and inclusive development.

French President Macron slams Israel for intercepting Gaza humanitarian boat
French President Macron slams Israel for intercepting Gaza humanitarian boat

Daily Tribune

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Tribune

French President Macron slams Israel for intercepting Gaza humanitarian boat

French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday the humanitarian blockade of Gaza was a 'scandal' and 'shameful', calling for the reopening of humanitarian supply routes. Macron also called for a truce in the besieged Palestinian territory as tens of thousands of people staged rallies across France after Israel stopped a boat, carrying a dozen activists, including Greta Thunberg, from reaching Gaza. The rallies in Paris and at least five other cities were called by left wing parties. Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, called the seizure of the Gaza boat by the Israeli military 'piracy'. Immediate liberation Macron, meanwhile, urged the immediate liberation of French nationals among the 12 activists on the vessel. Macron had 'requested that the six French nationals be allowed to return to France as soon as possible,' his office said. France was 'vigilant' and 'stands by all its nationals when they are in danger,' he added. The French government had also called on Israel to ensure the 'protection' of the activists. Macron also called the humanitarian blockade of Gaza 'a scandal' and a 'disgrace'. 'Heinous attack' Turkey also slammed the Israel move, describing it as a 'heinous attack'. The Madleen left Italy on June 1 to raise awareness over food shortages in Gaza, which the United Nations has described as the 'hungriest place on Earth', with the entire population at risk of famine. 'The intervention by Israeli forces on the 'Madleen' ship while sailing in international waters is a clear violation of international law,' Turkey said, calling it as a 'heinous attack' by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said Israeli troops 'forcibly intercepted' the vessel in international waters at 0102 GMT as it was approaching the Gaza Strip. Turkey's foreign ministry said there were Turkish nationals among those on board, with FFC's website indicating there were 12 people from seven countries, including Turkey. Two of them hold Turkish passports. Hamas condemned the move, saying the Madleen was being taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store