Explanation of vote after the vote on the Resolution
Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States

Germany has voted in favor of this resolution, which has a clear focus on general questions of international law, reaffirming our longstanding commitment to upholding the international legal system and supporting the International Court of Justice.
We reiterate our respect for the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 19 July 2024. And we remain dedicated to promoting international law with the United Nations Charter at its core.
A lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a negotiated two-state solution. Only when Israel’s security is ensured and Palestinians have their own state, where they can live in dignity and safety, will both peoples be able to live side by side in peace. Germany, alongside its partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to work toward this goal.
Legal clarity is crucial in this process. Therefore, we support the request for the ICJ to render its advisory opinion. The ICJ can provide legal guidance that can support and advance the political process. International law protects all parties of the conflict and can act as a vector for a peaceful settlement.
And we are convinced that the requested ICJ advisory opinion can have relevance beyond the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, for example in other contexts of occupation, given that it will have to address general questions of relevance for international law.
The unbearable suffering in Gaza that followed the heinous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on 7th October of last year – which Germany has repeatedly and will continue to condemn – must cease immediately, for the sake of both Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages and their families. At this critical moment, humanitarian access and the role of the United Nations – especially of UNRWA – is essential. Germany remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting UNRWA and Palestinians in need, in Gaza and across the region. UNRWA remains crucial for delivering support to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and across the entire region.
We call for an immediate cease-fire, the unconditional release of all hostages and an urgent and substantial surge in humanitarian assistance reaching the people in Gaza. Germany, with its partners, will continue to work tirelessly towards these goals, with a view to ensuring that Gaza shall not be subject to long-term re-occupation or resettlement, but also will not pose a threat to Israel, in line with the G7 Tokyo principles.