Jakarta, May 1 -- Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that Israel, as an occupying power in the Palestinian territory, including Gaza, is obligated to protect civilians.

He noted that such obligation has been affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and countless resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

"As an occupying power, Israel's legal obligations extend beyond the general duties owed by all states under international law," Sugiono stated during public hearings of the ICJ on Israel's obligations in connection with its activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, at the Hague, Wednesday (April 30).

"The Fourth Geneva Convention governs the protection of civilians during times ...