Israel has no right to self-defense against Hamas because it is "an occupying state." This was stated by Russia's representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, during an emergency session of the General Assembly.
Nebenzya referred to the International Court of Justice's 2004 advisory opinion, although Israel completely withdrew its troops and settlements from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
"Israel, as an occupying state, has no right to self-defense, which is confirmed by the 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice," the Russian representative said.
At the same time, Nebenzya recognized that Israel has the right to "ensure its security" and the right to "fight terrorism."
The Russian representative called the IDF operation in the Gaza Strip "blind retaliation that will not restore justice, bring the dead back to life, or comfort their families."
In his speech, Nebenzya also accused the United States and its allies of "torpedoing" a peaceful settlement in the Middle East and of "hypocrisy" because "in completely different situations, they call for respect for humanitarian law, create committees of inquiry and impose sanctions."
