Written reply of the Russian Federation to the question put by Vice-President Sebutinde at the end of the hearing held on 2 May 2025 – Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory

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07 May 2025

International Court of Justice
Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Reply by the Russian Federation to the Question put by H.E. Vice-President Sebutinde
7 May 2025, The Hague

Question: “Which third States and international organizations operate to provide basic services, and humanitarian and development assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory? To what extent have restrictions, if any, been placed upon their operation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by Israel since 2 March 2025?”

Reply: “The Russian Federation has traditionally provided multidimensional humanitarian assistance to Palestine not only in a bilateral format, but also through the specialised agencies of the United Nations (particularly, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the United Nations World Food Programme, and the World Health Organisation).
Against the backdrop of the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the zone of Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the end of 2023, the Russian Federation sent emergency humanitarian aid to the victims in the Gaza Strip (notably, more than 800 tons of cargo, including food, pharmaceuticals, and essential goods, were delivered to El Arish in Egypt for their further transportation to the Gaza Strip).

Meanwhile, according to available information, approximately 30% of the cargo have never been transferred to those in need owing to the restrictions and prohibitions enacted by Israel that is exercising the actual control over land, air, and maritime space in the Gaza Strip. Since 2 March 2025, Israel has maintained a total blockade of the Gaza Strip. All deliveries of humanitarian aid to the Strip have entirely been terminated.”