Brussels, 16th October 2023
HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement strongly condemns the continuous and appalling war crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The international community must urgently respond to these grave violations of international law.
Under the slogan of ” Swords of Iron,” the Israeli army has unleashed a relentless and indiscriminate assault on Gaza, a region inhabited by over two million Palestinians. These innocent civilians have been subjected to deteriorating living conditions, exacerbated by the prolonged Israeli siege since 2006. Official figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health are staggering, with more than 2,200 Palestinian civilians killed, including over 700 children, medical personnel, and journalists. The number of casualties has surged beyond 9,000 wounded, with thousands of Palestinians displaced within Gaza. Disturbingly, overwhelmed hospitals have compelled Palestinians to resort to mass graves for their deceased loved ones.
This unrelenting bombing campaign, spanning nine consecutive days, constitutes a horrifying humanitarian catastrophe and a series of genocidal crimes against the innocent people of Gaza. Entire residential neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, resulting in the tragic loss of countless lives.
Israel’s actions blatantly violate several articles of international law, including but not limited to:
– The Hague Convention (Article 25) which explicitly prohibits attacks on cities, villages, or residential areas devoid of defense capabilities.
– The Statute of the International Criminal Court (Article 8), which deems attacks on civilian populations or non-participating civilians as war crimes.
– International humanitarian law principles of necessity and proportionality, which are violated in the absence of shelters or safe areas for civilians.
– Prohibition of attacks on medical personnel and facilities.
– Prohibition of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas.
Israel’s actions also constitute collective punishment, a practice explicitly forbidden under international law. International humanitarian law prohibits targeting civilians and using starvation as a method of warfare, in addition to mandating the passage of humanitarian relief shipments to civilians in need.
We strongly caution against any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland and implore the international community to reject collective punishment policies against the Gaza residents. The international community must unequivocally condemn the targeting of innocent civilians in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Israel’s deliberate attacks on civilian populations, property destruction, and using internationally banned weapons are utterly unacceptable.
HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement calls upon the international community to take immediate action:
- Halt the Assault on Civilians: We urgently call upon the United Nations, countries, and relevant international bodies to pressure Israel immediately to cease its unprovoked assault on civilians in Gaza.
- Neutralize Military Operations: Israel must be compelled to neutralize its military operations and open all closed border crossings to ensure the unimpeded flow of medical, food, and logistical supplies into the Gaza Strip.
- International Condemnation: The international community must unequivocally condemn Israel’s crimes in Gaza and review support for Israel, making it conditional on its commitment to peaceful coexistence.
- End Aggression and Facilitate Aid: The international community should work relentlessly to end the aggression against Gaza and its people, cease pressure on Egypt to deport Gazans, and facilitate urgent medical and humanitarian aid delivery to those in dire need.
The time for decisive action is now. The international community must uphold the principles of international law and protect the rights and well-being of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
