UN response to the conflict in the Middle East

19 July

The International Court of Justice has delivered today its Advisory Opinion in the proceedings concerning Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. (ICJ)
“The sustained abuse by Israel of its position as an occupying Power, through annexation and an assertion of permanent control over the Occupied Palestinian Territory and continued frustration of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, violates fundamental principles of international law and renders Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory unlawful” (UNRIC News)

The Secretary-General will promptly transmit the Advisory Opinion to the General Assembly, which had requested the Court’s advice. It is for the General Assembly to decide how to proceed in this matter. (OSSG)
Observations from Gaza by Head of UN Human Rights office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Ajith Sunghay (UN Human Rights)
On the outskirts of Lebanon’s second capital, Tripoli, lies a Palestinian refugee camp that is almost as old as their plight itself. (UN News)

18 July

Maryse Guimond, UN Women Special Representative in Palestine, spoke at the noon briefing at the UN from Jerusalem about her visit to Gaza in June (UN Women)

17 July

“We speak to Alexia Guillaume, an Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), who deployed to Al-Arish city, a logistical hub for the humanitarian aid crossing into Gaza through the Egypt corridor.” – Working at logistical hub for humanitarian aid crossing into Gaza (UN Story)
Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East (OSSG)

14 July

Statement by Scott Anderson, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator and Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza (OCHA, UN RC/HC oPt)
Statement by Scott Anderson, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator and Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza (OCHA)

13 July

“There is no alternative to UNRWA” – From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

12 July

“Ongoing violence and the breakdown of law and order are devastating an already crippled city and creating an extremely high-risk environment, not just for aid workers but everyone in Gaza.”

Statement by WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy on visit to the occupied Palestinian territory (WHO)

Statement by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the Opening of the UNRWA Pledging Conference (UNRWA)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, standing alongside top officials in New York on Friday, underscored the essential need to bolster the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) across the Middle East amid continued attacks on its mandate, staff, premises and operations. (UN News)
Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (Request for Advisory Opinion) – The Court to deliver its Advisory Opinion on Friday 19 July 2024 at 3 p.m. (ICJ)