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Israel must ‘better protect civilians’ in occupied West Bank: Germany
Israel must “better protect civilians and civilian infrastructure” in its military operations in the northern West Bank, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.
It called for the 40,000 people displaced by Israel’s “Iron Wall” operation to be “allowed back to their homes as soon as possible”.
“The Israeli government’s plans to deploy the Israeli army in the Jenin refugee camp on a long-term basis are unacceptable,” the ministry added.
Qatar urges Israel to allow UNRWA, international organisations to operate
Qatar has submitted a written memorandum to the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ), emphasising Israel’s obligation to allow the UN and other international organisations to operate in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
The memorandum seeks clarification on Israel’s responsibilities on the presence and activities of UN agencies, particularly the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), as well as other international organisations and third states.
The memorandum also stressed “the necessity of respecting and protecting UN and international organisation properties, including schools, medical facilities, transportation, and water infrastructure”.
It further underscored “the need to safeguard humanitarian and medical personnel working in these areas” as well as “the delivery of humanitarian aid”.
Last October, the Israeli parliament passed two laws that called for ending the UNRWA’s operations in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory and prohibiting Israeli authorities from having any contact with the agency. The laws came into effect on January 30.
Israel also prevents much of the humanitarian aid from being delivered to Gaza, including temporary shelters and heavy machinery.
