The spokesperson for the United Nations secretary-general says that the UN does respect the decision of the International Criminal Court, and he called on member states to uphold their obligations under international law, Al Jazeera reports.

“Practically speaking, however, this will have little impact on the UN’s role in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey reports from the UN Headquarters, New York City.

The spokesperson said that UN officials may need to continue their contact with these indicted Israeli officials in order to fulfil their mandates. But that contact is allowed under UN rules.