Greece abstains in UN vote seeking ICJ opinion on Israel aid obligations to Palestinians

Greece abstained in a UN vote on Thursday asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to assess Israel’s obligations to assist Palestinians, amid accusations that the Israeli government systematically hinders Gaza aid.

The resolution seeking the advisory opinion from the UN’s top court was brought by Norway, and co-sponsored by Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others. It won backing from 137 countries, while 12 objected. Twenty-two countries abstained.

Under the resolution, the ICJ will be asked to consider what Israel is obliged to do to “ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population.”

Greece’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, justified the abstention, saying Greece earlier this month backed two resolutions in support of UN Palestinian aid agency UNRWA’s mandate as well as the demand for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We believe that we should give time to the parties involved as well as the international community to follow up on the aforementioned resolutions and to take action towards addressing the issues that have been raised. For this reason, although we share the concerns expressed in the draft, we will abstain.”

SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos condemned the country’s stance.

“By choosing to abstain from voting at … on Israel’s obligation to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, in contrast to the vast majority of other states, the Greek government has proven once again that it chooses unconditional support for Israel over that of the international community,” Famellos said.

Πηγή: pagenews.gr