Jerusalem: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Thursday stated that Israel, as the occupying power, and all other states must comply with international law as clarified by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
According to Kuwait News Agency, Turk emphasized that "the range of Israel's obligations under international law spelled out by the International Court of Justice ruling yesterday are crystal clear." He noted the need for recovery and peacebuilding anchored in human rights, aiming for the ceasefire in Gaza to evolve into enduring peace in accordance with international law. Turk also urged other parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their international legal obligations, emphasizing the importance of saving lives and delivering aid to Gaza.
Turk highlighted that the ICJ's Advisory Opinion reaffirmed the simultaneous application of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories. He stressed that Israel's occupation is obligated to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of Palestinians.
He elaborated that the Court specifically underscored rights such as the right to life, freedom from torture or ill-treatment, liberty and security, freedom of movement, family protection, an adequate standard of living, health, education, freedom from discrimination, and the right to self-determination.