The Hague: Israel is denying the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, said Ambassador Hatem Abdel-Qader, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Legal Affairs and Egypt's representative before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Monday. In his address to the ICJ, Abdel-Qader urged UN member states to recognize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and called on Israel to ensure the unhindered operation of humanitarian organizations in Gaza.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdel-Qader emphasized that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continues to provide critical aid, particularly in refugee camps, despite mounting pressure. He called on the international community to support the Palestinian Authority, noting that the Israeli Knesset has taken steps to criminalize and obstruct UNRWA's activities. Egypt, he stated, has documented Israeli attacks targeting humanitarian workers.

He further noted that Israel has demanded UNRWA cease its operations in the occupied territories, arguing that such policies aim to deprive Palestinians of essential services. "Israel must not continue to deny Palestinians their right to self-determination," he said. Abdel-Qader pointed out that more than 160 international agreements support UNRWA's mandate and called on Israel to reverse the measures hindering the agency's work. He urged the international community to ensure protection for civilians in Gaza.

The ICJ held public hearings on Monday to examine Israel's obligations toward Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the operations of UN humanitarian relief agencies in the territory.