Mohamed Saud Alnasser, the representative of Saudi Arabia, has delivered a sharply worded statement before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), condemning Israel’s “flagrant violations of international law” in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

“Less than a year ago, the court heard that Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied territory, including its settlement practices, its continued occupation and its annexation of parts of that territory are flagrant violations of international law that must be brought to an end as a matter of urgency,” he said.

“Sadly, but predictably, Israel chose to ignore the court’s ruling, showing it considered itself above the law.”

Alnasser went on to criticise Israel’s obstruction of international humanitarian efforts in the occupied territory.

“The obligations of Israel to allow the UN, other international organisations and third states to carry out activity in the occupied Palestinian territory – including providing such assistance — could truly make a difference between life and death for many people,” he said.

Referring specifically to the situation in Gaza, Alnasser said: “Israel’s hideous conduct, which piles illegality upon illegality, is well documented — its most ruthless application has been the siege conditions imposed over the Gaza Strip since October 2023.”